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Research and Innovation Division

About Us / Contacts




UDOT’s Research and Innovation division mobilizes research studies and employee ingenuity to help drive continuous Department evolution.

Our Research team partners with UDOT experts, Utah universities, and consultants to identify transportation research that meets UDOT’s most important needs. They prioritize these needs in an annual workshop hosted by the division. They manage research projects, promote implementation, share research results, coordinate with national research organizations, field-evaluate products, and provide information services.

Our Innovation team gathers and supports employee ideas, and tracks them through a development process with the goal of implementing the best ideas across UDOT. They head an Innovation Council whose Stewards lead grassroots innovation efforts in their own regions and areas. They also compile the most successful ideas in our annual Innovation and Efficiencies Report which is shared with Utah legislators and the public.

Together with our partners, UDOT’s Research and Innovation division helps keep Utah moving.

RESEARCH EXPLAINER VIDEO




RESEARCH AND INNOVATION TEAM

Research and Innovation Network Org Chart and Info Sheets

Cameron Kergaye, PhD, PMP, PE
Director of Research and Innovation
801.633.0359
ckergaye@utah.gov

Winston Inoway
Innovation and Implementation Manager
801.455.3911
winoway@utah.gov

David Stevens, PE
Research Project Manager
801.589.8340
davidstevens@utah.gov

Kevin Nichol, PE, MPA
Research Project Manager
801.870.4033
knichol@utah.gov

Brad Loveless, PE
Research Project Manager
801.940.2583
bloveless@utah.gov

Quinten Klingonsmith
Innovation and Implementation Coordinator
801.386.0473
qklingonsmith@utah.gov

Joni DeMille
UDOT Librarian
801.965.4626
jdemille@utah.gov

Our Mailing Address:
UDOT Research & Innovation Division
PO Box 148410
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-8410

Research & Innovation News



August 2023: FINAL RESEARCH PRESENTATION
A recording of the presentation on “Intelligent Queue Length Estimation on Ramps Using Computer Vision and Machine Learning,” given on August 10 by our research partners from the University of Utah, is linked below. The final research report (UT-23.16) is posted in the Final Research Reports section of our web page under Traffic Management and Traffic Safety.

Intelligent Queue Length Presentation
February 2023: NEW FEATURE – ANNUAL RESEARCH SUMMARIES
Our first-ever annual research summary for projects completed in 2022 is now available on our web page. Links to final reports and other deliverables are compiled into one document for a quick snapshot of our research activities each year. Look for the blue Annual Research Summaries drop-down bar under RESEARCH PROGRAM for our inaugural summary, or read it here:

2022 Research Summary
October 2022: HOT OFF THE PRESS!
Check out R&I’s 2023 Innovation and Efficiencies report to see all the amazing improvements UDOT employees have implemented this year. This annual report is shared with UDOT, the Utah State Legislature, and the public. The great ideas you’ll read about just might spark one of your own!

2023 Innovation and Efficiencies Report
2023 Innovation and Efficiencies HIGHLIGHTS report
September 2022: NEW RESEARCH PROJECT MANAGER
Brad Loveless is our new Research Project Manager. Brad started his career with UDOT in 2006 as a Rotational Engineer after graduating from the University of Utah. He spent 1½ years as a Roadway Design Engineer before transferring to the UDOT Willard Construction Crew where he served for over 9 years as a Field Engineer and 2½ years as a Resident Engineer. During his time in construction he has had the opportunity to work on project teams for a variety of projects including using digital delivery. Outside of work, Brad enjoys spending time traveling with his wife and 3 sons, and is always looking for an opportunity for new experiences. Some of his favorite places that his wanderlust has taken him include the Redwoods, Lava Tubes National Monument, and the Florida Everglades. His top five Clifton Strengths are Deliberative, Analytical, Discipline, Responsibility, and Harmony.
July 2022: NEW INNOVATION AND IMPLEMENTATION COORDINATOR
Quinten Klingonsmith is our new Innovation & Implementation Program Coordinator. He previously worked at the Utah Department of Workforce Services as an instructional designer. Quinten brings a wealth of skills to the Research & Innovation Division including project management, interviewing, writing, and video production. His top five Strengths are: Achiever, Connectedness, Learner, Analytical, Individualization. He earned a masters degree in Public Administration from BYU. Please join us in welcoming him to UDOT.
March 2022: NEW INNOVATION AND IMPLEMENTATION MANAGER
Winston Inoway has been selected as the Innovation and Implementation Program Manager. Winston was previously the I & I Program Coordinator and producer of the Innovation Station video series. He is excited to advance department opportunities including the annual Innovation & Efficiencies Report, STIC Incentive Grants, EDC-7 Innovations, and the UDOT Innovation of the Year Award. For more information about any of these opportunities or to become a member of the statewide Innovation Council, contact Winston at winoway@utah.gov.
January 2022: NEW SPACE HERE FOR RESEARCH PERFORMED BY OTHER UDOT DIVISIONS
Following the Final Research Reports section below, a new space has been added for research done by other UDOT divisions. Project team members with UDOT’s Traffic and Safety division recently completed their work with NCHRP 22-33. Results and methods described in their final report may be of interest nationally. Take a look!

NCHRP Report 22-33 ISPE – Evaluation of Utah Longitudinal Barrier (September 2021)
October 2021: LITTER IN UTAH
Check out the new executive report prepared by UDOT’s Research & Innovation team that includes an overview of UDOT’s current state of practice for statewide litter mitigation, a national snapshot of mitigation investment, recommendations, and much more.

Highway Litter Mitigation

INNOVATION PROGRAM




UDOT’s Innovation Program supports leaders and employees to improve safety, reduce costs, increase efficiency, and ‘Keep Utah Moving.’

Visit the Innovation Station to learn more about our program and see a catalog of recently implemented innovations.


RESEARCH PROGRAM

UDOT's Research Prioritization Process (Annual Research Workshop)


image of UDOT's research workshop logo

UDOT’s annual research prioritization process matches up today’s toughest transportation challenges with the best problem solvers available to develop implementation-ready solutions. Whether you have an intractable transportation-related challenge, or are part of a talented problem-solving team, the process is here to help fuel tomorrow’s innovative transportation solutions today!

UDOT’s Research & Innovation Division spearheads this process by holding an annual research prioritization workshop each spring (also known as “UTRAC”) to help determine how the Department allocates a portion of state planning and research funds allotted to each state via 23 U.S.C. 505(a).

Workshop process participants include professionals from UDOT, FHWA, local governments, MPOs, transit agencies, universities, and the private sector. These technical stakeholders help to shape a leaner, smarter, and safer transportation network in alignment with UDOT’s Strategic Direction.

The 2024 workshop will be held in person on April 15-18, 2024 for only invited UDOT/UTA evaluation teams and problem statement champions to discuss and prioritize research needs. Other changes to the workshop process this year include a simplified problem statement form, no problem statement presentations, and an exchange of written Q&A between evaluation teams and problem statement champions/authors prior to the workshop. For more information, see the updated links below or contact UTRAC@utah.gov.


  • 2024 Research Workshop Agenda [DRAFT]
  • 2024 Subject Group Contacts
  • 2024 Problem Statement Word Template (download and use in MS Word)
  • 2024 Research Problem Statements List

  • 2024 Research Workshop Process
  • 2024 Research Workshop Process Flyer
  • 2024 Workshop Roles and Responsibilities
  • 2024 Research Workshop FAQs

  • 2023 Research Workshop Proceedings

  • UTRAC TRAILBLAZER AWARD
    The Trailblazer Award is given annually during the Research Workshop to a UDOT employee or to one of our academic or consulting research partners who has a significant history of collaboration with UDOT Research and has made notable contributions toward excellence in the field of transportation research. Recipients traditionally share a presentation about their research achievements with workshop participants. In 2020, these presentations went virtual. Links are included in the winner’s list below.
  • Trailblazer Award Winners
  • Video Interview with 2023 Award Winner, Shaunna Burbidge, PhD [Full-Length]
  • Active Research


    Active Research Projects (Updated quarterly. Current version: March 19, 2024)

    Annual Research Summaries

    Final Research Reports / Final Presentation Recordings


    Our most recent and frequently requested reports are posted under the gray subject headings below. Older reports can be accessed from this list, organized by subject:

    Archived Research & Innovation Reports

    For reports prior to 2011, please contact a Research Project Manager or UDOT’s Librarian.
    Advanced search options are available using TRID:

    Search our reports by keyword, report number, or an associated person’s name. Click on the links below to start a search, or get instructions on using the TRID database to find one of our reports.

  • TRID
  • Using TRID to Find UDOT R&I Reports
  • Research Performed by Other UDOT Divisions


    TRID Search Tips

    TRID is a comprehensive database resource for transportation research and literature searches.


    TRB Library Snap Searches

    Quickly get up to speed on complex research topics with summaries that include a list of recent reports, current and upcoming projects, names of relevant committees, and related upcoming events like conferences and webinars.


    Research & Innovation Events and Funding Opportunities