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Research and Innovation Division

“Research: the distance between an idea and its realization.”

–David Sarnoff, pioneer of American radio and television

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 & Innovation Team




Research and Innovation Network Org Chart and Info Sheets

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

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

Rod McDaniels, MPA
Innovation and Implementation Manager
801.633.6219
rmcdaniels@utah.gov

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

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

Vincent Liu, PE
Research Project Engineer
801.910.2006
vliu@utah.gov

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

Joni DeMille
UDOT Librarian
801.965.4626
jdemille@utah.gov

Research & Innovation News / Hot Topics


New R&I Team Member (March 1, 2021)

We’re pleased to welcome Winston Inoway as R&I’s new Innovation and Implementation Program Coordinator.

Winston was previously a training manager in UDOT’s Employee Development Group. He has two decades of service with the State of Utah including time spent as a public information officer. He also brings significant private sector experience as the former proprietor of his own graphics design and photography business. Winston holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and he is a Certified Clifton Strengths Coach. Winston’s strengths profile (i.e., deliberative, learner, strategic, input, and intellection) harmonizes well with our dynamic team and larger program-delivery objectives. His instructional design, communications, and training backgrounds will be an ongoing benefit to all of the disciplines served by UDOT’s Research and Innovation Division.

As the I&I Program Coordinator Winston will aid our division in accelerating department-wide innovations through proactive employee engagement, tracking, and reporting efforts. This includes supporting the annual research prioritization program, research projects, UDOT’s Innovation Council, and federal innovation incentive programs.


Research & Innovation Dashboards

In development; coming soon.

Research Program

Everything we do at UDOT is informed by RESEARCH. Learn how in our video:

(Video length 3:48)

UDOT's Research Prioritization Process (Annual Research Workshop)



UDOT’s Research & Innovation Division holds 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 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 annual 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, UTRAC is here to help fuel tomorrow’s innovative transportation solutions today!

The 2021 workshop was held virtually on April 20, 2021. For more information, see the links below or contact UTRAC@utah.gov.

Video: 2021 RESEARCH WORKSHOP KICKOFF and TRAILBLAZER AWARD WINNER

Active Research


Active Research Projects (Updated 2/10/2021)

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:

Archived Research & Innovation Reports

For reports prior to 2011, please contact a Research Project Manager or UDOT’s Librarian.

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 upcoming events like conferences and webinars.

Research & Innovation Events and Funding Opportunities

Other Research & Innovation Links


Innovation Station

National Committee Membership

Research and Innovation Toolbox

Subscribe to Free Transportation Magazines and Journals

UDOT Library