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Virtual Reality as a Tool to Enhance the Design Review Process

This research enhances transportation infrastructure design processes by addressing limitations of modular workflows where roadway, hydrology, lighting, and utilities design occur in separate processes with limited feedback, leading to conflicts during design review and construction stages. The project extends previous work on virtual reality (VR) applications for public involvement to include design review capabilities, partnering with Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) on a novel double roundabout design in Bristol, Virginia, an area with high pedestrian and bicycle activity. The methodology involves converting 2-D design files into comprehensive virtual reality simulations using Unity platform, integrating topographical data and creating immersive environments that showcase experiences of drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists under various scenarios including different traffic densities, lighting conditions, and signal configurations. The research compares traditional 2-D plan-based design reviews with VR-based immersive reviews, allowing engineers to experience proposed designs in day and night conditions and evaluate lighting design impacts on sight distances, safety perceptions, and situational awareness. Building on survey data from 33 respondents across state DOTs, consulting firms, and universities, the project synthesizes current practices and develops standardized processes for VR integration in transportation design review workflows.