Gonzalo Alcaraz, Deputy Director General of the International Road Federation (IRF), recently participated as keynote speaker at the Autonomy Mobility World Expo in Paris, held on 20-21 March. His presentation centred on the Smart Road Infrastructure Classification Index (SRICI), a tool crafted by the IRF as part of the FRONTIER project to assess road networks’ readiness for Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs).

SRICI aims to set a standard for assessing road readiness for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs), defining specifications for physical infrastructure, digital infrastructure, and connectivity. Relying on over 50 parameters identified through state-of-the art literature review and expert surveys, SRICI is rated on a scale from 1 to 10, ensuring transparent and consistent evaluation of road infrastructure readiness for CAVs.

The SRICI method not only defines parameters for evaluating road suitability for CAV operations but also offers a systematic approach for data collection and processing. By employing diverse sources such as georeferenced imagery and on-site measurements, stakeholders gain comprehensive insights. As part of the FRONTIER project, SRICI’s practical utility has been demonstrated through a real use case scenario on the Attiki Odos freeway in Athens, Greece, highlighting its importance in guiding decisions and prioritizing improvements in an evolving transportation landscape.

As research continues, SRICI plays a vital role in advancing safer, more efficient, and interconnected transportation systems, emphasising the necessity for continuous refinement to keep pace with technological advancements.

By harnessing the potential of SRICI and collaborative projects like FRONTIER, the IRF is paving the way for a future where road infrastructure seamlessly integrates with emerging technologies.