Pennsylvania has officially launched construction on the first phase of PennSTART, a planned closed loop transportation testing complex designed to accelerate research, training, and innovation in next-generation mobility technologies. The initial $25 million phase marks a major step toward creating one of the most advanced real-world testing environments on the East Coast.
State transportation agencies, industry partners, and research institutions have been preparing the multi-phase initiative as a hub for evaluating emerging transportation systems — including autonomous vehicles, smart infrastructure, field robotics, and new emergency response protocols.
The first construction phase includes a high-speed test track and a multi-purpose testing area that can be configured for a range of specialized demonstrations and training exercises. Future phases will introduce additional features, including both signalized and unsignalized intersections, as well as simulated urban and rural environments designed to replicate the full complexity of real-world mobility challenges.
The project is intended to support a wide spectrum of users — from local agencies and technology developers to emergency responders and commercial fleet operators. According to officials, PennSTART will accommodate field robotics; commercial and public transit vehicles; connected and automated vehicles; off-road and aerial vehicles; and emerging autonomous technologies. It will also serve as a controlled training space for traffic incident management, tolling, Intelligent Transportation Systems, and traffic signal operation.
PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton emphasized the significance of having a facility that can recreate real-world emergencies with full fidelity. “Having a facility like PennSTART that provides real-world incident management training for first responders is game changing,” Compton said. “We are excited to be able to move beyond the classroom to effectively prepare police, fire, medical, and towing personnel for the dangers they encounter during an incident – like distracted or aggressive drivers. Through collaboration with all agencies, we will have successful incident management – and in return, enhanced safety and improved emergency response for our first responders and traveling public.”
State officials have noted that the project aligns with broader efforts to modernize Pennsylvania’s transportation ecosystem and strengthen partnerships with technology companies developing next-generation mobility systems. As innovation in autonomous and connected vehicles accelerates, PennSTART is expected to become a critical proving ground for both public and private sector solutions.
The Office of Transformation and Opportunity’s Fast Track program is managing the project’s permitting, underscoring the state’s push to streamline development timelines for strategic infrastructure initiatives.
Once fully completed, PennSTART will support year-round testing, training, and certification activities — providing a major asset for transportation safety, system reliability, and innovation across Pennsylvania and beyond.
Originally reported by Melina Druga in Transportation Today.
