innovation automation

Suntrax is a large-scale, state-of-the-art facility, dedicated to the research, development and testing of emerging transportation technologies, in safe, controlled environments.

The SunTrax Connected/Automated Vehicle Test Facility covers a vast area of 200 acres within a new Tolls Testing Facility, and features 11 miles of roadway infrastructure that can replicate different driving environments. It also contains 20 buildings on-site to support infield operations and maintenance, as well as a stormwater management system, to accommodate infield improvements.

The facility is specifically designed to test automated vehicles’ capabilities under various road conditions, obstacles, and traffic scenarios that simulate real-world driving conditions. The urban area offers intersection configurations and complex lighting, signing, and signalization conditions. The 20-acre open paved technology pad can replicate nearly any real-world geometric configuration, and perform endless test scenarios. The roadway geometry track has complex horizontal and vertical curves, plus irregular grade changes. Finally, the pick-up/drop-off area can mimic various multimodal passenger transfers, such as airports and transit centers.

Overall, the SunTrax Connected/Automated Vehicle Test Facility, provides a challenging environment for testing connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV) and emerging technologies. It is an ideal location for testing the latest technologies in a safe and controlled environment, offering a connected environment for testing vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), and vehicle-to-anything (V2X) communications.

Overcoming Challenges

During the design phase, we initially estimated that the design of the SunTrax Infield, also known as “Phase 2”, would require 24 months. However, we were forced to reduce that timeline to just 15 months due to market conditions. To accomplish this, we had to put together four simultaneous building design teams, and separate civil/utility and roadway design teams. This was no small feat, considering the fact that we were designing a project for an ultimate user, “the operator”, who had yet to be defined.

During the construction of the SunTrax Connected/Automated Vehicle Test Facility, the team encountered some significant challenges, especially with the impact of the unprecedented COVID pandemic.

However, with persistence & determination, alternative material suppliers were found to ensure the project’s success. The owner’s implementation of an incentive/disincentive program also played an essential role in motivating the team to meet the project’s full incentive date, showcasing the power of collaboration and the resilience of the human spirit, in the face of adversity.

The owner maintains and constructs toll roadway facilities across the state. However, building an 18-building campus with unique features like electronic interconnection, full underground utilities, and non-standard roadway test tracks, was not part of their regular work. Their biggest challenge was designing SunTrax to seem like a roadway in every aspect, including construction documents, design processes, specifications, and construction services.

It is important to note that the owner and the contracting teams they hire, do not usually build buildings. In the case of SunTrax, nearly half of the project funds went towards nonroadway construction, which was primarily the 18 buildings. This created a need for the contracting team to adapt to the unique requirements of the “FTE way” of doing business - which is quite different from their usual building customers.

For the arrival and conference center, several unique and innovative design features required close collaboration between the contractor, supplier, designer, and owner. One of the most notable of these was the custom-built roof covering, which required ongoing discussions and adjustments to ensure that the final product met the intended specifications, while maintaining its distinctive appearance.

When the designers developed the plans for the site, they wanted to make sure that it accurately replicated real-world driving conditions. We sought specialists and employed custom means and methods to ensure our roadways were imperfect. It was a lot of work, but we’re confident that the end result was worth it.

SAFETY

Many companies have safety plans that are only pulled out for a show. However, Suntrax’s management has displayed an unyielding will to follow through with their safety policy time and time again. This has instilled a culture of safety throughout the company and has led to higher standards of vigilance among crew members even after they move on to other projects. Enforcing the basics and combating complacency from the top down is crucial for preventing employee injuries, and Suntrax’s success in this area cannot be overstated.

Innovation

This project embodied the definition of partnership and innovation. It opened up new ways to improve the way a project should be executed from concept to completion. Keeping all parties involved with respect for the priorities of others, throughout all the challenges of the project.

This project was also a first of its kind for a public entity. The State has not performed a project with this complexity in prior years and also incorporated a Silver certification under the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) Florida Green Commercial Building Certification Standard (v2). The project team developed matrices, tracking, and inspection processes that will allow the owner to utilize these techniques in future projects.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

“BEST IN CONSTRUCTION AWARD” SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE - 2022 Florida Transportation Builders’ Association (FTBA)

“JOHN W. BARR TRANSPORTATION ACHIEVEMENT AWARD” – 2021

FLPRITE (Florida Puerto Rico District of the Institute of Transportation Engineers)

“PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE” – 2020 International Bridge, Tunnel, and Turnpike Association (IBTTA)

“BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION” – 2020 America’s Transportation Award (Southern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (SASHTO))