Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) represent a transformative innovation
poised to revolutionize roadway transportation by leveraging automated driving
systems equipped with advanced sensors, high-performance computing, and
communication technologies. While urban areas are the primary focus of current
CAV developments, rural transportation systems risk being left behind despite
the significant benefits that CAVs can bring to these regions. This article,
therefore, explores the physical and digital infrastructure requirements for the
safe deployment of CAVs in rural areas, drawing insights from standards,
recommendations, and guidelines developed by leading standard organizations. The
study highlights the specific design of physical infrastructure, including
traffic signs, traffic signals, and pavement markings, and digital
infrastructure, including communication, sensing, and mapping, to ensure rural
communities are effectively prepared to benefit from the potential of CAVs. As
its primary contribution, this article provides a comprehensive review of
existing standards and guidelines relevant to rural CAV deployment. By
synthesizing guidance across multiple standard-setting organizations, this
review delivers a structured analytical assessment of existing standards,
revealing their limitations and misalignment with rural transportation contexts
while highlighting emerging good practices. The article clarifies the
applicability of current guidance to rural infrastructure, identifies systemic
infrastructure-related failure modes, and informs context-aware planning
considerations for efficient and scalable CAV deployment in rural areas.
