AtkinsRéalis Takes Lead in Groundbreaking Cross-Country Digital Corridor Project

AtkinsRéalis Leads Major Digital Infrastructure Initiative

AtkinsRéalis, a globally recognized engineering and nuclear services company, has been appointed as the lead consultant for an innovative project aimed at establishing the first cross-country digital infrastructure corridor in the United States. This major undertaking is in collaboration with the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and the Interstate 80 (I-80) Corridor Coalition. The project is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grant initiative, specifically focusing on the I-80 Enhancing Corridor Communications Roadmap Project.

A New Era of Connectivity

The I-80 corridor will stretch over 2,900 miles, connecting California to New Jersey. This ambitious roadmap aims to integrate the operations of eleven state departments of transportation and three toll agencies, facilitating real-time data sharing across various jurisdictions. The overarching objective is to modernize transportation systems in alignment with the US DOT's vision for interoperable platforms, standardized reporting, and enhanced collaboration in data governance.

Brad Dennard, Senior Vice President of the DOT Business Unit at AtkinsRéalis, noted, "The I-80 Corridor roadmap isn’t merely a technological endeavor; it represents a strategic blueprint for collaboration among states to develop safer, smarter, and more resilient infrastructure. By aligning our efforts with federal priorities, we are setting a new benchmark for national corridor coordination."

Enhanced Emergency Response and Traffic Management

This project promises to significantly improve the responsiveness of states during emergencies and streamline traffic management processes. The initiative will also aid in accurate infrastructure investment planning, minimizing disruptions and boosting freight movement efficiency, ultimately leading to enhanced economic resilience. Furthermore, the I-80 roadmap will serve as a scalable model, potentially replicable across future corridors nationwide.

The project is designed to progress in three key phases. The first involves aligning stakeholders while identifying existing data gaps. The second phase focuses on system design and defining operational procedures across different states. The final stage will entail constructing and testing a pilot version, culminating in a scalable plan and a working prototype for effective data sharing.

Vision for Future Corridors

Tracy Larkin Thomason, Director of the Nevada Department of Transportation, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, "We eagerly anticipate advancing the digital infrastructure vision along the I-80 corridor. This initiative will serve as a prototype for subsequent corridors such as I-35, I-10, and I-15, establishing a strong foundation for resilient digital infrastructure across the nation."

To ensure the project’s success, AtkinsRéalis is forming a consortium of leading technology advisors to offer strategic insights and technical guidance. Their expertise will be pivotal in positioning the I-80 Corridor as an exemplary model for other initiatives.

Atefeh Abad, the Deputy Project Manager at AtkinsRéalis, emphasized the importance of collaboration across various agencies: "This initiative showcases how inter-agency teamwork can create a national model for smarter, safer transportation solutions. We take pride in spearheading this endeavor, leveraging trusted partnerships, innovative problem-solving, and extensive technical expertise to transform the I-80 Corridor vision into reality."

About AtkinsRéalis

AtkinsRéalis is committed to shaping sustainable solutions that connect people, data, and technology, aiming to forge a better future for our planet and its inhabitants. With a legacy stretching back to 1911, the company excels in delivering comprehensive services across the entire lifecycle of infrastructure and energy systems. Through an integrated approach to engineering, environmental services, intelligent networks, and project management, AtkinsRéalis continues to lead in strategic sectors such as engineering services and nuclear technology. For more information, visit AtkinsRéalis or connect with them on LinkedIn.