Keeping Utah Moving

Utah is building the framework for a connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) network in our state. CAVs will help us achieve our goal of Zero Fatalities by taking human error - which accounts for 94% of crashes - out of the equation. We are also uniquely situated to be a pioneer for CAVs because of our fiber backbone thanks to our approach with public-private partnerships. UDOT’s current efforts are in three main areas:

Connected Vehicle Program

In 2018, we became the first state to implement a fully functional connected vehicle deployment on Redwood Road. When a bus is running behind schedule, it “talks” to the traffic signal using dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) devices. The signal stays green just a little longer, and Utah Transit Authority buses can arrive on time in a very congested corridor.

Autonomous Vehicle shuttle pilot with UTA

UDOT has been working with UTA to deploy an electric, low-speed, automated (self-driving) shuttle. We have leased this shuttle for a year, and are moving it around to various locations in the state. The shuttle has no steering wheel, driver’s seat, or pedals. It operates using LiDAR technology. A “safety operator” is always on-board the vehicle, and can take over operation if needed.

A large portion of the public says they don’t trust automated vehicles, but they haven’t experienced them; they may have never seen one. We want to give them that experience and talk with them about it. If we are going to realize the benefits of this technology, we need to engage with the public and increase their levels of trust.

Connected Vehicle Ecosystem project

The Ecosystem project with Panasonic will have three elements:

1. A cloud-based data analytics platform to convert all of this data into useful information
2. Software applications to move and use the data – putting it into vehicles and our TOC
3. Installation of hardware along our roadside and in vehicles

UDOT has entered into a one-year contract with Panasonic for Phase 1 of this work. Success of this phase and availability of additional funding will lead us, ultimately, to five total phases over five years.

RUC Utah is a usage fee based on the number of miles driven instead of the gallons of fuel consumed. Similar to utilities, drivers pay for the amount of the resource they use.

Beginning January 2020 electric and hybrid vehicles are eligible for Utah’s initial program. These drivers will now have the option to enroll in the RUC program in lieu of paying an additional flat fee at the time of their annual vehicle registration.

Potential advantages of the RUC program are saving people money that drive relatively few miles and allowing early adopters to experience new technology. RUC enrollees will not pay more than the flat fee amount regardless of how many miles they drive.

Utah joins Oregon as the second state in the US with a live RUC program. UDOT will continue to explore RUC program elements, as directed by legislation, including:

• Mileage reporting technologies
• Multiple rate structures
• Tolling Integration
• Feasibility of expanding to additional vehicle types

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

The use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) is expanding rapidly into the transportation industry. UAS provides a wide variety of operational, societal, and economic benefits.

IMT

The goal is to have a UAS placed in each IMT vehicle for accident documentation, monitoring alternative routes, provide Search and Rescue support, and detour management through real time broadcasting.

We currently have 12 IMT Employees certified to operate the UAS with the goal to have all IMT UAS Licensed. This will aid significantly in the time to map, provide high resolution aerial imagery with a point cloud, enhance safety mitigation and provide the ability to navigate in dangerous areas and live streaming capabilities to the Traffic Operations Center.

Construction/Maintenance

Within the Department the use of UAS can significantly provide cost efficiency, improve data quality, and improve personnel safety over an existing method or process.

The UAS provides aerial imagery,a high resolution detailed point cloud, route management, quick response vs. traditional aircraft and even Utilize machine learning to help increase productivity for pavement inspections at airports.

Urban Air Mobility

UDOT is looking ahead at the developing Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) industry, discussing how these new technologies could change the way we think about transportation, and preparing Utah to be ready for the first package delivery drones and aerial taxis. Visit our Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Page to learn more.

UDOT's incident management program is responsible for responding to traffic incidents, reducing congestion and delays, and reducing secondary crashes by working with UHP and public safety agencies to accelerate roadway openings, clean up debris, and assist motorists.

Over the last year, we hired 12 additional IMT responders increasing coverage hours by 86 percent to improve service by around 60 percent in each of the areas listed below.