The test track

The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg relies on intelligent transport systems to shape the mobility of tomorrow. A several kilometers long test track for automated and connected driving (TAVF) is being built in the city of Hamburg. Since 2018, it has been upgraded for infrastructure-to-vehicle (I2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication. With numerous equipment features, it enables vehicle manufacturers, technology companies and research institutions to test ITS applications, safety and assistance systems as well as automated and connected driving functions in the real traffic environment on public roads.

The test track is characterized by realistic and thus demanding traffic situations. In addition to simple driving manoeuvres in single-lane or multi-lane mixed traffic, it also covers complex intersection topologies with a wide variety of crossings. In addition, locations were selected for the construction of the ITS-G5-based communication systems which represent a challenge for radio technology due to the existing structural situation, e.g. Suburban train bridges and underpasses. This should provide further insights into the range and influencing factors of ITS-G5.

The following (interactive) map shows the detailed course of the test track.

TAVF Features

ITS-G5

Along the test track, several traffic light systems and a bridge will be equipped with roadside units from various manufacturers that exchange specific data with passing vehicles. The wireless communication is based on the WLAN-based 802.11p standard (ETSI G5) and supports a range of information and warning services for traffic safety, efficiency and driving comfort.

SPaT/MAP-Messages

The roadside units at the traffic lights provide information on the signal pattern of the traffic lights and the existing road topology. This makes it possible to implement a wide variety of ITS applications, such as issuing speed recommendations for reaching the traffic signal system at green (GLOSA), and therefore plays an important role for future intelligent traffic control.

Intelligent infrastructure sensors

Further intelligent infrastructure components are installed along the test track, which, among other things, can support environment recognition through automated and networked vehicles. Existing sensors, radar, thermal imaging and camera systems can be used to optimize environmental detection and the detection of other road users, especially at complex intersections that are difficult to see.

Open data platform

Using an urban data platform, the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg enables the integration and standardized provision of ITS data. This allows a wide variety of data sources to be integrated and refined as part of the use of the test track. In addition, ongoing federal programs such as the Mobility Data Marketplace or the mCloud are supported.

Technology-neutral and user-open

In order to analyze and define the requirements for automated and networked driving in an urban metropolis, the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg is striving for close cooperation with industrial and research partners from all over the world. In addition to involving various technology providers in equipping the test track, interested vehicle manufacturers, technology companies and research institutions will be able to participate in the open-ended test track via a neutral coordination centre.

Testing under real conditions

The test track is located directly in Hamburg's city centre and thus runs along highly frequented city, main and district roads as well as complex intersections with and without traffic lights. Test vehicles move in public traffic areas together with a wide variety of vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists. These tests under real conditions in mixed traffic are very important for the realization of automated and networked driving.

TAVF coordination centre

The TAVF coordination centre is the central point of contact for companies and research institutions that are interested in or already use the test track. It supports the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg in the selection of innovative ITS applications, looks after active users during their trials and promotes the exchange of experience between users, operators and other ITS experts.

Cooperation

The focus of all activities is the continuous exchange of experience and knowledge between all partners involved. The aim is to harmonize the mutual requirements and to develop a common overall picture of future mobility concepts that meets the needs of both infrastructure operators and technology providers. To this, regular workshops and evaluations of test drives will be organized

Download TAVF Fact Sheet

Safety & Security

Safety

The test track for automated and connected driving is located in the public transport system of the City of Hamburg. All road and test track users are therefore subject to the regular provisions of the Road Traffic Regulations. The vehicles used for the tests must have an official road approval and needs to be driven by special trained drivers. They monitor the vehicle while testing the automated driving functions and can return it to manual operation at any time. In addition, the infrastructure components installed within the test track are tested in accordance with applicable specifications and installed in a roadworthy manner.

Security

The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg operates a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) for the secure and protected operation of wireless I2V and V2I communication. All communication units which are installed in vehicles and the infrastructure are registered within this system, authenticated for data exchange and classified as trustworthy. This ensures that the ITS services provided via the communication infrastructure cannot be manipulated. The security certificates required by test track users for data exchange with the intelligent infrastructure are provided by the TAVF coordination centre on request and after appropriate verification.

Privacy

The provision and exchange of data play an important role in automated and networked driving. Automated vehicles are sometimes equipped with extensive sensors for environment recognition, which may be supported by intelligent infrastructure along the test track. The foundation for the implementation of activities within the test track is the existence of a corresponding data protection policy. The users of the test track are therefore obliged to submit a detailed data protection concept prior to their trials. In addition, data protection-related assessments exist for the existing infrastructure and the infrastructure under construction, which are continuously coordinated with the Hamburg data protection officer. Currently, the infrastructure facilities do not collect any personal data, but only provide information to test track users.

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