The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) has recently begun work on the new Illinois Autonomous and Connected Track (I-ACT), a state-of-the-art multimodal, high-speed freight test track. The new track is located in Rantoul, IL at the Illinois Center for Transportation, a research and testing facility dedicated to the development and implementation of cost-effective mobility technologies. I-ACT is poised to offer a realistic testbed for a virtually limitless array of potential transportation applications.

I-ACT is designed as a modular facility, allowing for evolution over time, ensuring it remains at the forefront of technological advancements. The track will feature variable speed infinity loops for continuous speed endurance testing, 5G connectivity for vehicle, network, and infrastructure communications, renewable energy harvesting, a fleet facility building, simulated inclement weather and variable lighting conditions. Primera, a key player in the project, contributed significantly to the planning and design of the new fleet building, working in collaboration with AECOM. The Primera team offered their expertise in plumbing, fire protection, civil, and mechanical design, along with project management services.

Imad Al-Qadi, the Illinois Center for Transportation director and UIUC Grainger Distinguished Chair in Engineering, captures the vision of I-ACT, stating, “The transportation industry is rapidly evolving, and I-ACT is poised to proactively lead this transformation.” The new facility aims to lead change in technology by determining optimal mobility strategies, transitioning developed technologies to the private sector, and fostering economic growth and job creation by leveraging corporate expertise.

To learn more about I-ACT’s specific capabilities and characteristics, click here.