The Ohio Department of Transportation, through DriveOhio, has completed a two-year pilot testing an automated roadway condition detection system using vehicle-generated data.
Honda led the pilot in collaboration with i-Probe Inc., Parsons Corporation, and the University of Cincinnati. Test vehicles equipped with cameras, LiDAR, and edge-based artificial intelligence monitored approximately 3,000 miles of roads in central and southeastern Ohio.
The system detected potholes, damaged guardrails, obstructed signs, faded lane markings, shoulder drop-offs, and road roughness. Pilot results showed detection accuracy of 99% for damaged or obstructed signs, 93% for damaged guardrails, and an average of 89% for potholes.
The platform delivered near real-time condition data to ODOT dashboards and generated prioritized maintenance work orders based on severity and location. ODOT used the data to supplement existing inspection programs.
ODOT funded the pilot. Project partners estimate the system could reduce inspection and maintenance costs by more than $4.5 million annually by limiting manual inspections and enabling earlier repairs.