RANTOUL, Ill. (AP) - A proposed project would add a test track to the Illinois Center for Transportation for researchers to study ideas such as self-repairing roads and autonomous vehicles.
The News-Gazette reports that the project proposed at the Advanced Transportation Research and Engineering Laboratory in Rantoul would include a signalized intersection, a roundabout, underpass, bridges, railroad crossing, bus lanes/stops and a bike/pedestrian safety site.
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Mayor Chuck Smith says the nearly 2 mile (3 kilometer) test track wouldn't be possible in Champaign-Urbana because the space isn't available.
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Researchers from the Illinois Department of Transportation and universities in Illinois and nationwide are studying transportation-related issues at the center.
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Village Administrator Rick Snider says the project is an opportunity for more university collaborations. He estimates the total investment needed for the project exceeds $25 million.
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Information from: The News-Gazette, http://www.news-gazette.com
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