Google bringing driverless cars to the Eastside

Google will be testing its self-driving car project in Kirkland, with the first of its vehicles to be on local streets this month.

Kirkland is the second city outside of Google’s hometown of Mountain View, Calif., where regular testing will take place.

The company says Kirkland is an ideal place to expand testing because of its temperate climate, with seasonal rain for wet weather practice. Its hills will also allow for the testing of sensors at different angles and elevations.

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“We have strong roots in Kirkland having established an office here a decade ago,” Jennifer Haroon, head of business operations for the self-driving car project, told KIRO 7. “Kirkland has always been welcoming to Google and expanding our testing program here will give our self-driving cars some new learning experiences and let us hear from different communities as we develop this technology.”

Over the last few weeks, Google test drivers have been driving a Lexus RX450h SUV around a few square miles in north Kirkland and creating a detailed map of the streets, noting things like lane markers, traffic signals, curb heights, “keep clear” zones and other information that helps the car understand exactly where it is in the world.

Google said the car is now ready to take over the driving. A test driver will still be on board and will be able take over, if needed.

Over time, if the initial testing goes well, Google hopes to map and drive in more areas of Kirkland.

Kirkland Mayor Amy Walen and Gov. Jay Inslee said they welcome the testing, saying they embrace new technologies.

In a news release, Google said the car’s sensors can detect hundreds of objects simultaneously in a small area, even as they move according to different rules of the road – pedestrians, buses, a stop sign held up by a crossing guard or a cyclist making gestures that indicate a possible turn.

For more information, Kirkland residents can visit the project website.