Move over Daytona International Speedway. In case you haven’t heard, a 2.25-mile asphalt oval is in town – and this one won’t require drivers. 🏎️
Located in Auburndale off of I-4, SunTrax’s autonomous vehicle test track project aims to advance technology solutions and improve the safety + efficiency of transportation.
Vehicular innovation is nothing new to the Sunshine State. Just last month, Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed a bill at the facility that would expand the testing + use of autonomous vehicles, placing Florida among the leading states in the U.S. for self-driving vehicle research.
Over the next few months, we’re going to keep you up-to-date on the innovation surrounding SunTrax, including the technology, its connection with the city, and more.
To catch you up, here’s an update on the track’s progress:
- SunTrax finished its initial $42 million construction (paid by Florida Turnpike) earlier this year + started real-world testing, utilizing land owned by the Florida Department of Transportation.
- Over the next two years, the 200-acre area will be transformed into a simulated city – complete with moveable shipping container buildings, a downtown environment, and lots of asphalt. Meaning one day the site could be designed with six-story buildings + the next day, transformed into a one-story building with wood fronts.
- Phase III of the project (to be completed by 2024) will employ a sensor test chamber that simulates rain, smoke, and fog to help researchers learn more about the technology surrounding guiding autonomous vehicles. An observation tower for better test visuals + a main entry campus with a 20,000 sq. ft. welcome center are also to be expected.
