PennSTART

RIDC Westmoreland Innovation Center

1001 Technology Drive,
Mount Pleasant, PA 15666

pioneering safer roads

Experience the future at PennSTART, Pennsylvania’s leading hub for advancing transportation across key sectors such as Connected Vehicles, Traffic Management, and Autonomous Technologies, setting new standards in safety and efficiency for the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Key Sectors

Traffic Incident Management
Connected & Automated Vehicles
Tolling, ITS and Traffic Signals
Work Zones
Commercial Vehicles
Transit Vehicles
Autonomous Technologies

Inside PennSTART’s Innovation Hub

PennSTART will be a closed loop, state-of-the-art testing facility designed to accelerate innovation in emerging transportation technology, improve the safety and efficiency of transportation infrastructure, enhance traffic incident management training, and support regional economic development.

45 minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Technology

Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV), Electric Vehicle (EV), Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) & Field Robotics

High-Speed Track, Signalized/Unsignalized Urban/Rural, VDA, Off Road and More

Multi-modal: Passenger, Transit & Commercial Vehicles, Rail, Vulnerable Road Users

Connectivity: Wireless 5G, Digital Twin, C2V, RTK GPS Correction

Accelerating Transport Insights at PennSTART

PennSTART is crafting the blueprint for transportation’s future with a meticulously planned facility that merges a high-speed test track and multiple specialized testing grounds within a single, innovative environment. Through stages that elevate existing infrastructures into a complex suited for comprehensive testing and training—featuring the latest in connectivity and support services—PennSTART stands at the forefront of promoting safer, more efficient transportation systems while stimulating regional economic advancements.

Partners

Training, Testing & Research

PennSTART marks a collaborative venture between the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) of Southwestern PA, Carnegie Mellon University, and Westmoreland County. This state-of-the-art facility is set to empower emergency responders, transportation technology companies, and research institutions, fueling economic growth and innovation.