Austrian testing ground operator Testregion DigiTrans has announced the start of an upgrade scheme at its test facility in St Valentin, Upper Austria.
According to the company, the facilities are updated and aimed at users who want to test software and sensors for autonomous and commercial vehicles, in various traffic scenarios and challenging weather and road conditions. Digitrans states that when the project is completed in 2023, a total of seven different zones will be available for AD testing purposes.
The program will see the addition of a new driving dynamics assessment surface, 600m long and 20.8m wide, comprising six 3.5m-wide lanes, as well as new areas to simulate traffic intersections and roundabouts. Additionally, the company says that its digital infrastructure will be revamped to provide C-ITS (Cooperative-Intelligent Transport Systems) and 5G connectivity.
The program will also see the implementation of new capabilities to simulate poor weather driving conditions, with a rain system able to produce different drop sizes and precipitation intensity.
Furthermore, a dedicated city driving zone will enable the creation of scenarios such as intersections with intelligent traffic light control. Looking to commercial vehicle applications and the testing of hub-hub transportation scenarios, the site will feature a dedicated area for testing automated docking maneuvers with trucks, vans and delivery vans. This will consist of a 2700m2 shunting area including features such as adjustable loading bays and entrance gates.
