Abstract

Cities can increase economic growth and participate in global economic flows by acting as hubs or gateways to regional corridors, that are supported by three dimensions of connectivity: physical (infrastructure) connectivity, digital connectivity, and economic integration. Integrating these dimensions increases economic output and generates more high-quality jobs. Connectivity integration also helps a city accumulate knowledge and has positive spillover effects for the broader economy. Chongqing stands out for its well-developed infrastructure and digital connectivity, but it has yet to leverage these assets to promote regional economic integration. This report recommends: leverage existing transport infrastructure and supplement it with better integration between land, air, and water transport to build a major logistics hub; strengthen cooperation with Chengdu, Sichuan, and other regional partners to promote regional economic integration; and improve digital infrastructure with faster internet connection speeds and promote the wider adoption of digitization of services.

Abstract

Over the last years, significant resources have been devoted to developing new automation technologies for vehicles, whereas investment and resources for road infrastructure in general have steadily dwindled. INFRAMIX is preparing the road infrastructure to support the transition period and the coexistence of conventional and automated vehicles. Its main target is to design, upgrade, adapt and test both physical and digital elements of the road infrastructure, ensuring an uninterrupted, predictable, safe and efficient traffic. Towards this objective different technologies are deployed; mature simulation tools adapted to automated vehicles characteristics, new methods for traffic flow modelling to study the traffic-level influence of different levels of automated vehicles in different penetration rates, traffic estimation and traffic control algorithms. Moreover, ways of informing all types of vehicles about the control commands issued by the road operator and new kind of visual and electronic signals are developed. The project outcomes will be assessed via simulation and in real stretches of advanced highways.