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(Update: Google not involved) Virginia to allow testing of self-driving cars
July 14, 2025
The team atHEREhave been in touch to let us know that Google is actually not involved in the trials. The introduction of the autonomous highways is a partnership between HERE and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and seeks to revolutionise the testing and deployment of automated vehicles.
TheVirginia Automated Corridorscover more than 70 miles of highways, roads and streets and were selected as they represent the variety of traffic and driving conditions found across the United States.
Cathy McGhee, associate director of research at Virginia Department of Transportation, said:
For more on the partnership, head over toHERE 360. Original story below.
Original Story (Title: Google to test self-driving cars on congested Virginia highways)
Google is to being testing itsself-driving cars– also known as autonomous vehicles – on the highways of Virginia according to a new report, which suggested the testing will take place across more than 70 miles of highways adjacent to Dulles International Airport in Northern Virginia.
According to theRichmond Times Dispatch:
Virginia will join other states such asCalifornia, Michigan, Florida, Nevada and Washington D.C. as states that currently allow testing of computer-driven vehicles but will look to make it easier than other states have for manufacturers to test their autonomous technologies. Myra Blanco, director of the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute’s Center for Automated Vehicle Systems, said:
The congested highways of Northern Virginia will provide the sternest test so far for Google’s autonomous fleet but will provide an indication of just how good self-driving cars are on busy streets. Part of the challenge facing Google – and other autonomous vehicle manufacturers – is the ability to adjust to constantly updating information, including traffic jams, construction and incidents.
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Blanco said that she expects self-driving cars to have a large impact on daily life and provide solutions to problems such as mobility for the elderly or disabled and assisting drivers (and even taking control) in dangerous situations.
When will self-driving cars actually be available to buy? One of Google’s Project Leads said he expected them to be available within five years but Google also said the same thing back in 2012. However long it takes, you’ll soon be able to sit back and relax while your car drives you.
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