Technology providers Mark IV Industries, Raytheon, SIRIT Inc. and TransCore have announced an agreement to develop dedicated short-range communications –- known as DSRC -- technology for the Federal Highway Administration.

The Federal Communications Commission recently dedicated of a block of radio frequency spectrum to DSRC for applications that will enhance the safety and the productivity of the nation's transportation system.
The DSRC initiative is a step toward the introduction of new roadway applications, including intersection collision warning, curve speed warning, rollover warning, emergency electronic brake lights and more.
The four companies will jointly develop prototype DSRC technology, which is expected to be ready for testing and evaluation in about 18 months. This will be followed by the deployment of several models in key U.S. centers, so the technology's performance can be validated as part of an overall system. The FHWA is beginning its consideration of the deployment plans.
Mark IV Industries is best known as the developer of the E-ZPass technology.
Raytheon is a defense, space, information technology contractor. SIRIT is a provider of radio frequency identification systems. TransCore provides automated toll systems and other technology to government. Its Commercial Services group operates the DAT load finding system and other services to the trucking industry. The company recently purchased the satellite tracking and communications services of Canada-based Vistar Datacom.