Research & Innovation

Here is the latest research and innovation news at UDOT. This edition summarizes our new research projects, describes statewide innovations, and provides training and funding opportunities. Please read on to stay informed of new technology and innovative thinking at UDOT.

Innovation News & Results

Innovator Magazine June 2019. 2.pdf

Innovator Magazine

A mid-year report showcasing ideas and innovations developed by UDOT employees to help keep Utah moving.

Beyond the Barrels Podcast, Episode 20: Innovating with Innovative Innovators

Innovation and Implementation Coordinator (Ryan Bailey) chats about UDOT's culture of innovation and what resources are available to employees to get their ideas off the ground.

UDOT software project will help Utah establish a drone management and control system.

Series: Building a Culture of Innovation

Part 1: UDOT is well positioned to lead from the front in the fast-paced world of transportation innovation.

Culture of Innovation Series (3).pdf

Upcoming TRB Annual Visit

Each year UDOT meets with a Transportation Research Board (TRB) staff member to share our exciting innovations along with issues and challenges we are experiencing. This year's meetings are tentatively scheduled for September 4 and 5. The focus of the meetings will be Traffic Management. More details and the agenda will be provided within the next couple of months.

Possible breakout session subjects include : TRB 101, Signal Timing, Automated Vehicles, Innovative Intersections, Managed Lanes, RUC, Wrong-Way Driving, and other related discussion topics. If you are interested in being included in any information and invites provided for these sessions, please click here to submit your name before July 16.

Highlights of 2019 UTRAC Workshop

130 cross-agency participants identified and prioritized UDOT's research needs. UTRAC Trailblazer awarded to UDOT's Scott Andrus.

2019 UTRAC Workshop.pdf

Welcome to Rod McDaniels

UDOT's New Innovation & Implementation Program Manager

The Research & Innovation Division is pleased to welcome Rod McDaniels as our new Innovation and Implementation Program Manager, filling the vacancy left by Patrick Cowley. Rod will lead the Innovation Working Group and work with Ryan Bailey to support employee innovations across the state. Rod plans to help position the Department as a national leader in innovation and creative problem-solving approaches.
 Rod has been with UDOT's central Right-of-Way division since 2011, serving previously as the Statewide Permitting Operations Program Manager and then as the Deputy Director leading multiple cross-functional teams on real estate disposal, land management, and GIS development. Prior to UDOT, Rod spent 12 years working for local government in Southern Nevada. He is married, has two daughters, and enjoys travel adventures.


Recently Completed Research

Creating an Access Permit TIS Form

Highlights from Report No. UT-18.08: Streamlined Access Permitting Process

Access Permitting.pdf
Skid.pdf

Report No. UT-19.11: Texture data and skid number were used to strategically screen collection areas and save UDOT $7,000 annually.

2019 Calendar of Research Funding Opportunities v2.pdf

Funding Opportunities

Explore Research Funding Opportunities.

Multimedia Learning

Tune in to engineering & professional development webinars and podcasts.

Summer 2019 Multimedia.pdf



Contact Joni DeMille (jdemille@utah.gov) with questions about Research & Innovation news.