Connected Vehicle Survey Study from 39 State DOTs Revealed Annual Roadside Units Maintenance Costs Range from $1,800 to $3,500, or Two to Five Percent of the Original Hardware and Labor Costs Per Device.

Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) technologies have the potential to deliver various safety and mobility benefits not only for users but also for the operators of the transportation systems. This study surveyed state and local agencies in the US to identify anticipated infrastructure maintenance needs arising from the implementation of CAV technologies, develop guidance on measurable maintenance standards, and evaluate associated workforce requirements. A total of 53 participants from 39 state departments of transportation (DOTs) completed the online survey questionnaire, which was made available in the fall of 2019. In the summer of 2020, 13 state agencies identified as the most advanced in using select CAV assets were contacted for targeted interviews. The assets selected for further investigation included On Board Units (OBUs), Roadside Units (RSUs), Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC), pavement markings, cameras, signal control, machine-readable signs, Road Weather Information Systems (RWISs), and data/digital infrastructure. The study later determined that efforts should focus on OBUs, RSUs/DSRC, and pavement markings. Additional interviews with three more state agencies and a few maintenance vendors were conducted in the fall of 2021.

Based on survey responses from multiple agencies, Table 1 provides a summary of RSU costs. This unit maintenance cost included hardware, deployment, and configuration, and may vary depending on the vendor or specific requirements.

Table 1. Summary of RSU Costs Based on the Survey Results

Table 2 provides estimated costs from individual agencies based on the survey responses.

Table 2. Estimated Costs Gathered from Select US Agencies on CAV Technologies