ODOT will procure 432 strands of high-speed data, fiber optic line to connect the Honda/OSU Transportation Research Center in East Liberty, Ohio and the Ohio Super Computer Center through Dublin, Ohio. The fiber line will consist of two routes, each about 35 miles long. One route will be constructed entirely within U.S. 33 right-of-way and will serve as an enhanced connection for OARnet and DAS OIT as well as a test bed for connecting Road Side Units (RSUs) to monitor traffic and serve as an enhanced connection between Autonomous and Connected Vehicles and the roadway infrastructure. This “primary route” will be the subject of this RFP. The second line or “secondary route” will be constructed at a later time, not subject to this RFP. The secondary route will be constructed along state, county, and municipal routes and will serve as a back-up line for the U.S. 33 connection as well as a high-speed data link for local governments and businesses.
Future projects will provide additional equipment throughout the corridor to further facilitate testing of Autonomous and Connected Vehicles.