Beehive State News

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is expanding its use of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology by installing it in 100 additional snowplows across the state. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of plowing operations, particularly during major storms.

V2X technology involves small wireless sensor boxes that enable communication between vehicles and infrastructure. These units can transmit various messages, including transit signal preemption. Currently, about 100 UDOT snowplows utilize this feature to extend green traffic signals or change red lights to green, facilitating continuous movement through intersections.

"Preemption makes a night-and-day difference in our job," stated Brian Sommer, a snowplow driver at UDOT's Provo/Orem maintenance station. "If traffic is stopped, we’re stopped. And the roads stay worse the longer we’re in traffic."

Maintaining the momentum of snowplows not only boosts efficiency but also enhances road safety. Sudden stops at red lights on slippery roads pose challenges for both plow operators and other drivers. Transit signal preemption provides more time for safe driving decisions near plows.

"The safety aspect of it – being able to flow through an intersection without impeding traffic has been great," said Chad Gasser, UDOT Provo/Orem Station Supervisor. "It’s making it safer for us, the public and commuters."

Looking ahead, V2X technology could send safety alerts to drivers regarding work zones, road conditions, or sharp curves. "In the long run, this technology is meant to save lives," noted Blaine Leonard, UDOT Transportation Technology Engineer. "When that happens, we’ll be able to give the driver of a vehicle information about what’s going on and be able to prevent crashes."

Since 2015, UDOT has been testing V2X technology along several snowplow routes in Salt Lake and Utah counties.