The New York State Thruway Authority, which manages New York’s 570-mile toll highway system, says it will begin testing drone technology for infrastructure inspections in partnerships with UAV nonprofit organization Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance (NUAIR).
The New York State Thruway Authority announced the trial project on Thursday. It will examine the efficiency, safety, operational, and cost advantages to be gained in using drones for inspection of infrastructure like roads, bridges, culverts, and overpasses. The advisory, technical, and craft support offered by NUAIR – and grants provided by the Empire State Development fund – means the initiative will cost the Thruway nothing, while potentially providing an array of benefits if the UAV tests give rise to permanent use.
If that happens, the Thruway plans to deploy drones in the mapping and surveying of its entire highway system. That will include UAVs cataloging inventory and…
