2019 UDOT Strategic Direction

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.

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. For more information on our CAV program, click here.

UDOT is looking ahead at the developing Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) industry, how these new technologies could change the way we think about transportation, and we are preparing Utah to be ready for the first package delivery drones and aerial taxis. We envision 'highways in the sky' as seen in the image to the right, with smaller package delivery vehicles flying at altitudes between 400 and 600 feet above ground. We also envision larger aerial taxis utilizing the airspace between 600 and 800 feet above ground.

'Highways in the sky' is an appropriate analogy as we feel designing flight corridors over roads will help prevent noise pollution, protect citizens’ privacy by flying over designated corridors and not over homes, parks, or school, and an increased measure of safety as autonomous aerial taxis will have the same safety requirements held by the FAA as passenger airlines. For more information on our unmanned aircraft systems program, click here.

In conjunction with the Utah Transportation Commission, we use a data-driven prioritization process to select projects.

Other Links

• Presentations and Materials
• Utah’s Transportation Vision
• Road Usage Charge
• Statewide Transportation Improvement Program
• Other Legislative Information

UDOT's incident management program is responsible for responding to traffic incidents, reducing congestion and delays, and reducing secondary crashes. Effective incident management is a team effort requiring vigilant monitoring and communication from the traffic operations control (TOC) center and swift action on the part of prepared field workers. Key roles IMT play at incidents include:

• Working with Utah Highway Patrol and Fire departments to open roadways
• Assisting with cleanup debris and hazardous materials
• Assisting stranded motorists

Since 2004, IMT has assisted more than 250,000 motorists while reducing secondary crashes and traffic delays on our roadways. Last year, we hired additional IMT responders increasing coverage hours by 86 percent to improve mobility and safety on our roadways.