ETR407 tests autonomous vehicle pavement marker tapes

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ADAS tape trial area (CNW Group/407 ETR Concession Company Limited)

Ontario Construction News staff writer

Highway 407 ETR and 3M Canada say they have started testing the use of pavement marking tapes optimized for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) on 2.5 km of lanes of the Toronto-area toll freeway.

3M Canada says in a news release the initiative is part of the 407 ETR Living Labs program of innovation, promoting safety and next generation transportation.

The installation by Total Traffic Services Inc. was done overnight.

“Our history with 3M Canada and their ability to innovate gives 407 ETR confidence in utilizing their products on our roadway,” said Craig White, vice-president of highway and tolling Operations for 407 ETR. “With success and support using 3M products in the past, the pilot project using 3M Connected Roads Contrast Tape made sense. It’s important we remain ahead of the game when it comes to autonomous vehicles for the safety of drivers and passengers alike.”

3M says its ADAS-optimized Contrast Tape “delivers a unique contrast between black and white and allows for improved detection, especially on a low contrast pavement such as concrete.

“The new road markings are designed to work with how machines see and read infrastructure as well as being readable to humans.”

The statement says the tape includes four features important to 407 ETR:

  1. Wet Retroreflectivity – remains bright and visible even in wet weather;
  2. Colour Contrast – black markings edging white provide improved lane definition, essential on low contrast pavement such as concrete;
  3. Durability – long lasting performance due to the science of Microcrystalline Ceramic Beads and inlay into the pavement;
  4. Advancement – providing a road of the future by enabling the use of ADAS.

“The new lane marking technology being put onto the road by 407 ETR will now help ensure both humans and machines can make the most of the fast, safe and reliable ride 407 ETR offers all drivers,” the statement says.

“We invite input from drivers of vehicles with ADAS using this area to share their experience in this Living Lab environment. Input may be sent to 407 ETR’s social media account on Twitter @407ETR or by email to communications@407etr.com.”

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