Previous research conducted for the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway project utilizing the capabilities within VISSIM traffic microsimulation software to simulate and analyze the impacts of CAVs showed that with higher proportions of CAVs along the corridor, there is potential for significant reduction in congestion (Figure 2). However, 100% fleet conversion to CAVs cannot be expected to happen for the foreseeable future, and the maximum benefits to roadway capacity can only be achieved when the entire vehicle fleet has made the conversion. But providing dedicated CAV lane(s) can work as an interim solution. This study was the next step in a line of research that was conducted to evaluate the impacts of different levels of CAVs mixed into existing lanes. Similar to HOV lanes, this study looked at providing a limited-access managed lane along the I-270 corridor for the exclusive use of a CAV fleet and evaluate its impacts on mobility in the corridor.
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