Quarterhill, a Toronto-based technology company specializing in intelligent transportation systems (ITS), partnered with the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) and the Arkansas Highway Police, launching a US$2.7-million project to deploy AI-enabled safety inspection systems along two of the state’s busiest freight corridors — I-40 eastbound at Lehi and I-55 southbound at Marion.
The initiative will introduce advanced mainline sorter systems designed to streamline inspections and improve safety without requiring roadway expansion. The systems integrate weigh-in-motion sensors to capture truck weights at highway speeds, tire anomaly classification detection to identify unsafe conditions, and license plate recognition with automated DOT verification. Fully-integrated dynamic message boards will direct drivers requiring further inspection.
“This project demonstrates how technical innovation and collaboration can solve real-world challenges in freight management and strengthen Arkansas’ position as a national leader in freight movement,” said Chuck Myers, CEO of Quarterhill. “By working hand in hand with ARDOT and the Arkansas Highway Police, we are ensuring that Arkansas’ highways remain safe, efficient, and capable of supporting growth in interstate commerce for decades to come.”
Jeff Holmes, chief of the Arkansas Highway Police, added, “These upgrades will strengthen enforcement, improve roadway safety, and keep goods moving efficiently across our state and beyond. This initiative is a win for our economy, drivers, and communities.”
The systems are part of ARDOT’s broader strategy to modernize freight operations and manage growing truck volumes through data-driven safety and efficiency solutions.
