The I-80 Corridor Coalition and I-35 Advancement Alliance are spearheading the Connected Corridors Advancement Initiative (CCAI) to address evolving challenges and leverage opportunities in corridor management and transportation technology. As critical transcontinental arteries, these corridors underpin national commerce and mobility, fostering regional connectivity and economic growth.

Building upon AASHTO NCHRP 20-24(138) recommendations and inspired by successful models such as the I-95 Corridor Coalition and the Eastern Transportation Coalition, the initiative seeks to establish a framework for open data standards, infrastructure modernization, and multi-state collaboration. The Nevada DOT SMART Grant Enhancing Corridor Communication Roadmap will serves as a foundation model, showcasing enhanced inter-agency coordination and scalable technology deployment. International efforts, including Europe’s NAPCORE and Canada’s CAV Standards, highlight best practices in data interoperability and advanced infrastructure.

To sustain economic competitiveness, ensure national security, and foster technological leadership, the U.S. must develop integrated, multi-state corridor frameworks focused on data sharing, operational efficiency, and resilient infrastructure. Enhanced collaboration will bolster domestic mobility, supply chain reliability, and national emergency response capacity. Corridor coalitions have demonstrated the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in addressing infrastructure needs, facilitating transportation planning, and improving operational efficiency across multiple jurisdictions.

The CCAI aims to modernize corridor operations, enhance safety, and optimize economic efficiency by aligning efforts across state, federal, and private sectors. Objectives include developing and implementing open data standards for Work Zone Data Exchange (WZDx), Truck Parking Information Monitoring Systems (TPIMS), and national interoperability of communication data feeds to enable seamless communication across jurisdictions. Additionally, the initiative seeks to prepare the corridor for connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technologies by supporting data interoperability between states, agencies, emergency services, industry partners and the traveling public.

An initial CCAI PFS business plan and scope of work will be cooperatively defined by study participants in coordination with current and planned projects and initiatives of the USDOT and FHWA, as well as those of TRB, AASHTO, ITS America, the Institute of Transportation Engineers, 5GAA, SAE, and others.

The initiative will focus on:

• Conducting a gap analysis of existing data feeds at each state and implementing solutions to meet a minimum service standard across the corridors.
• Standardizing and normalizing data formats to ensure consistency across participating states in collaboration with other corridor coalitions, next gen TDMM, communication vendors, and other pooled fund studies as needed.
• Develop consistent shared data policies across participating states.
• Engaging with mapping partners, OEMs, and fleet operators electronic logging devices to establish compatible data schemas for improved Traffic Incident Management message formats and greater access of messages to the public.
• Piloting and evaluating open data exchange systems to refine standards and approaches with nationwide scalable solutions. i.e. Truck Parking systems.
• Expand the pilot testing phase beyond initial SMART grant to include joint efforts between the I-80 and I-35 coalitions, ensuring consistent data formats and shared solutions.
• Deploying selected solutions to support seamless corridor operations and infrastructure enhancements.
• Evaluating interoperability of IoT devices and adopting standardized approaches across all participating states.
• Providing training, tools, and technical support for stakeholders to promote technology transfer and adoption.

Anticipated deliverables include the development of a minimum unified standardized data dictionary considering existing architectures and next generation Traffic Management Data Dictionary, tools for validating standard adherence of XML and JSON data formats, and technology integration studies. Additional anticipated deliverables include infrastructure enhancement guides, in-person stakeholder collaboration events, coordinated multi-state grant activities, and leveraged contracts marketplace feasibility to reduce costs for states. The initiative also aims to deploy a unified approach for integrating interoperable communication services nationally and conduct implementation studies to evaluate pricing and feasibility for key deliverables. Furthermore, a formal charter based on existing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and Letters of Understanding (LOUs) will be developed to establish governance and operational frameworks.

Funding:

1. Desired total commitment from each partner is $250,000 split between 2026-2030, generally achieved through five years at $50,000 per year.
   1. If a partner would like to join but the funding commitment is an obstacle, please reach out to the Lead Study Contact.
2. SPR Part B Waiver will be requested.

Travel:

1. Commitment covers travel for two representatives to an in-person meeting approximately twice per year throughout the life of the project. For partners that would like to send an additional representative to an in-person meeting, an additional $2,500 commitment per attendee per year is required. Specific meetings and locations to be determined during the project.

New Members:

1. This pooled fund is always accepting new members. Please inquire with the Lead Study Contact noted above to join this effort.

Project Co-Champions:

1. In addition to Matt Miller, champion for the lead state, this effort is co-championed by Tracy Larkin Thomason, Nevada DOT, tlarkin@dot.nv.gov, and Erika Kemp, Texas DOT, erika.kemp@txdot.gov.