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
David Stevens, PE
Research Program Manager
801.589.8340
davidstevens@utah.gov
Winston Inoway
Innovation and Implementation Manager
801.455.3911
winoway@utah.gov
Kevin Nichol, PE, MPA
Research Project Manager
801.870.4033
knichol@utah.gov
Vacant Position
Research Project Manager
801.000.0000
vacant@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 Calendar of Events & News
Research & Innovation Calendar of Events
January 2025: NEW RESEARCH PROGRAM MANAGER
David Stevens has been promoted to Research Program Manager. This is a new position in the Research & Innovation division. Click on the article linked below to learn more:
New Research Program Manager
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
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
UDOT Digital Library (Employees Only)
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)
UDOT’s Research & Innovation Division holds a research prioritization workshop (aka “UTRAC”) every spring to help determine how the Department allocates their portion of state planning and research (SPR) funds. Participants include professionals from UDOT, FHWA, local governments, MPOs, transit agencies, universities, and the private sector. Together, they work to shape a leaner, smarter, and safer transportation network.
2025 Research Workshop sessions will be held mostly in person during the month of April for invited UDOT/UTA evaluation teams, UDOT/UTA problem statement champions, and UDOT research staff, to discuss and prioritize submitted research problem statements. The 2025 template and process information are linked below. UDOT/UTA champions must submit their problem statements to UTRAC@utah.gov by March 10.
The 2025 Research Ideas Open House was held on January 30 at UDOT headquarters. This was an opportunity for UDOT/UTA subject leaders to discuss their research needs, meet new researchers, and learn about their ideas. A list of UDOT’s and UTA’s research needs is posted below for reference during development of problem statements.
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.
Research Dashboard
Active Research
Final Research Reports / Final Presentation Recordings
Our most recent and frequently requested reports are posted by subject under the gray drop-down bars below. Other reports can be accessed from the index linked here, which is organized in reverse chronological order:
Complete Index of R&I Final Research Reports
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.
Active Transportation and Micromobility
UT-23.11: Pedestrian Access Ramp Inspection Tool Analysis
UT-23.10: Pedestrian Traffic Signal Violations: Safety, Design, and Operational Implications
UT-22.22: Impaired Active Transportation Users
UT-22.20: Mode Shift Potential Evaluations Using Desire Lines & Connections to Active Functional Classification Systems
UT-22.19: Non-Motorist Fatalities: A Deep Dive
UT-22.07: Systemic Analysis of Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety in Utah
UT-22.04: Active Transportation Facilities in Canal Corridors
UT-21.32: Utilizing ATSPM Data for Pedestrian Planning and Analysis – Phase II: Extending Pedestrian Volume Estimation Capabilities to Unsignalized Intersections
UT-20.17: Utilizing Archived Traffic Signal Performance Measures for Pedestrian Planning and Analysis
UT-19.06: Pedestrian Walking Speeds at Signalized Intersections in Utah
UT-19.03: Driver Compliance at Enhanced Pedestrian Crossings in Utah
UT-19.02: Surveying Non-Motorized Travel Behavior at At-Grade Rail Crossings
UT-18.03: Measuring Systemic Impacts of Bike Infrastructure Projects
Aeronautics
UT-25.03: Feasibility of Vertiport Siting and Land Use Planning: A Guide for the Process of Planning UAV/UAM Vertiport Locations
UT-25.01: Statewide Drone Registration Rule Development
UT-23.14: Dashcam-Enabled Deep Learning Applications for Airport Runway Pavement Distress Detection
UT-22.12: Electrification Plan for State of Utah Airport Infrastructure
UT-22.12: FINAL PRESENTATION RECORDING
UT-22.10: Air Mobility Trajectory Anomaly Detection and Operational Advancement
UT-22.10: FINAL PRESENTATION RECORDING
UT-22.09: Long-Range Urban Air Mobility Land-Use Planning for Vertiports
UT-22.08: Airports as Connected Activity Centers
UT-21.33: Strategic Deployment of Drone Centers and Fleet Size Planning for Drone Delivery
UT-21.28: Image Processing and Machine Learning Techniques for Automated Detection of Planes at Utah Airports
UT-21.28: FINAL PRESENTATION RECORDING
Asset Management and Data Analytics
UT-20.20: A Synthesis of Third-Party Data Sets Used for Transportation Planning
UT-20.18: Assessing Close-Range Photogrammetry as an Alternative to LiDAR Technology at UDOT Divisions
UT-20.18: FINAL PRESENTATION RECORDING
UT-19.25: HERE Data Validation
UT-19.22: Using ATSPM Data for Traffic Data Analytics
UT-06.15a: Good Roads Cost Less Executive Summary (2006 Study Update) UT-06.15: Good Roads Cost Less (2006 Study Update)
Geotechnical
UT-22.02: CPTLIQ User’s Manual, Version 1.42
UT-21.21: Simplified Cone Penetration Test Performance-Based Assessment of Liquefaction and Effects: Phase 2, Tasks 5-10
UT-21.20: Simplified Cone Penetration Test Performance-Based Assessment of Liquefaction and Effects, Phase 1, Tasks 1-4
UT-21.18: Influence of Wingwall Geometry and Skew Angle on Passive Force Behavior of Bridge Abutments from Large-Scale Testing
UT-20.24: Assessing Corrosion of Extracted MSE Wall Reinforcement Coupons, Utah Phase II Study
UT-20.22: Probabilistic Liquefaction Triggering and Lateral Spread Hazard Maps for Davis, Weber, Salt Lake, and Utah Counties, Utah
UT-20.22: FINAL PRESENTATION RECORDING
UT-18.11: Simplified Standard Penetration Test Performance-Based Assessment of Liquefaction and Effects: Updated Liquefaction Parameter Mapping – Addendum Report
UT-18.10: SPLIQ User’s Manual, Version 1.41
Maintenance and Stormwater
UT-25.02: Snow Plow Performance Measures in Non-RWIS Locations
UT-24.21: Utah Roadside Litter Solutions
UT-24.14: Evaluation of Methods for UDOT Brine Tank Condition Assessment
UT-24.06: Culvert/Storm Drain Evaluation Technologies
UT-23.12: Pilot Pollinator Habitat at UDOT Rest Area in Perry, Utah
UT-23.02: Developing a Culvert Inspection Manual and Estimating Culverts’ Deterioration Curve, Inspection Frequency and Service Life for UDOT
UT-23.02: PROJECT BRIEF
UT-23.02: FINAL PRESENTATION RECORDING
UT-22.24: Mobile Phone-Based Artificial Intelligence Development for Maintenance Asset Management
UT-22.24 PROJECT BRIEF
UT-22.03: Incorporating Maintenance Costs and Considerations into Highway Design Decisions
UT-21.34: Time and Cost Benefits for Traffic Through Snowplow Operations
UT-21.25: Highway Litter Mitigation: Executive Report (September 2021)
UT-21.11: Investigating the Feasibility of Introducing Alternative Fuel Vehicles into Maintenance Fleet
UT-21.09: Analytical Framework for Life Cycle and Performance Assessment of Equipment Programs
UT-21.06: Comparison of Wet Reflective Elements with Tape – A Pavement Marking Study Based on Field Measurements
UT-21.02: ESRI Insights Phase II: The War Room
UT-21.01: Sources of Highway Litter in Utah
UT-21.01: FINAL PRESENTATION RECORDING
UT-19.23: Update of the Class 8 Truck Study
UT-19.12: A Data Fusion Approach for Extracting Highway Maintenance Features
UT-18.05: Back-of-Curb Evaluation Study: State Highway Right-of-Way Responsibility and the Utah Department of Transportation
Materials and Pavements
UT-24.17: Maturity Measurements in Rapid-Setting Concretes
UT-24.04: Hydrated Lime and Liquid Anti-Strip Additives: Moisture-Induced Damage Resistance Study
UT-24.02: Modeling the Dynamic Modulus of Asphalt Mixtures Using Single-Value Test Results, Phase II: Relation Between E* Parameters and CT Index
UT-23.17: Validating AASHTO PP-84 Paste Volume Limits for Shrinkage Mitigation in UDOT Concrete Mixes
UT-22.18: Modeling the Dynamic Modulus of Asphalt Mixtures Using Single-Value Test Results, Phase I: Initial Relation with Cracking Tolerance Index
UT-22.15: Balanced Asphalt Concrete Mix Performance in Utah, Phase VI: Multi-Laboratory Testing of IDEAL-CT
UT-21.24: Balanced Asphalt Concrete Mix Performance in Utah, Phase V: Field Evaluation for Intermediate and Low-Temperature Cracking
UT-21.23: Salt Lake City Airport Parking Garage Visual Inspection Report
UT-21.23: FINAL PRESENTATION RECORDING
UT-20.13: Balanced Asphalt Concrete Mix Performance in Utah, Phase IV: Cracking Indices for Asphalt Mixtures
UT-20.05: Forensic Evaluation of Geogrid-Reinforced Flexible Pavement Sections on SR-10 Near Emery, Utah
UT-19.17: Performance Evaluation of Typical UDOT Surface Treatments
UT-19.15: Balanced Asphalt Concrete Mix Performance in Utah, Phase III: Evaluation of Field Materials Using BBR and SCB-IFIT Tests
UT-19.11: Using Pavement Texture to Screen and Target Annual Skid Number Assessment
UT-19.09: Investigation of Concrete Electrical Resistivity as a Performance-Based Test
UT-19.08: Rapid Concrete Repair
UT-19.07: ASTM C-157 Standard Audit for Third-Party Shrinkage Testing Laboratories to Improve the Reliability of Results for Concrete Mixes
Planning and Project Prioritization
UT-24.16: Activity-Based Model Implementation and Analysis Considerations
UT-24.11: A Data-Driven Analysis of Transportation Infrastructure Equity in Utah
UT-23.23: Equitable Access to Nutrition in Utah
UT-22.05: Forecasting Travel-Time Reliability
UT-20.21: Travel-Time Reliability Data and Analysis Tools: Utah Pilot Tests (SHRP2 L38 IAP Round 7, Including L02, L05, L08)
UT-20.19: Street Network Connectivity, Traffic Congestion, and Traffic Safety
UT-20.09: Impact of Mobility as a Service on Transit Access
UT-20.03: Understanding Connected and Automated Vehicles’ Impacts on Utah Transportation Planning
UT-19.14: Key Enhancements to the WFRC/MAG Conventional Four-Step Travel Demand Model
UT-19.10: Impact of Shared Autonomous Vehicles on Vehicle Miles Traveled in Utah
Public Transportation
UT-24.10: Increasing Public Transportation Ridership by Integrated Transportation Planning with Micromobility Services in the State of Utah
UT-24.10: PROJECT BRIEF
UT-24.09: Identifying Transit Corridors with Greatest Potential to Benefit from Transit Signal Priority
UT-23.01: Identifying Microtransit Services through Microsimulation
UT-21.10: Estimation and Simulation of Daily Activity Patterns for Individuals Using Wheelchairs
UT-20.11: The Role of Bus Stop Features in Facilitating Accessibility
UT-20.11: FINAL PRESENTATION RECORDING
UT-18.04: Impacts of Bus Stop Improvements
Research
UT-23.08: Annual UDOT Workshop on Transportation Research Needs: 2023 Proceedings
UT-23.07: Measuring Transportation Research Benefits in Utah
UT-23.07: FINAL PRESENTATION RECORDING
UT-22.13: Annual UDOT Workshop on Transportation Research Needs: 2022 Proceedings
UT-21.26: Impact of High-Efficiency Vehicles on Future Fuel Tax Revenues in Utah
UT-21.14: Annual UDOT Workshop on Transportation Research Needs, 2021 Proceedings
UT-20.07: Benefits of Transportation Research in Utah
UT-20.07: Benefits of Transportation Research in Utah (Highlights)
UT-19.24: Annual UDOT Workshop on Transportation Research Needs, 2019 Proceedings
UT-16.07: Investing in Utah Transportation Research
Structures
UT-24.05: Repair or Strengthening of Bridge Decks with Partial-Depth Precast Deck Panels
UT-21.19: Evaluation of Commercially Available Concrete Bridge Deck Repair Materials
UT-20.29: Evaluation of Concrete Bridge Decks Comprising Twisted Steel Micro Rebar
UT-20.29: FINAL PRESENTATION RECORDING
UT-20.28: Development of a Management Guide for Concrete Bridge Decks in Utah
UT-20.28: FINAL PRESENTATION RECORDING
UT-20.27: Chloride Concentration and Blow-Through Analyses for Concrete Bridge Deck Rehabilitation Using Hydrodemolition
UT-20.26: Effects of Surface Treatments on National Bridge Inventory Condition Ratings for Concrete Bridge Decks in Utah
UT-20.25: Polyester Polymer Concrete for Bridge Deck Overlays
UT-20.25: FINAL PRESENTATION RECORDING
UT-20.23: Evaluation of Bridge Deck Treatments along I-15 in Nephi, Utah
UT-20.02: Bridge Deck Chloride Testing Protocols: Study of US-40 Bridges Over the Provo River, Utah
Traffic Management and Traffic Safety
UT-24.20: Using Unmanned Aerial Systems to Facilitate Traffic Incident Management
UT-24.19: Predicting Lane Utilization at Signalized Intersections in Advance of Arterial Lane Drops
UT-24.18: Implementing the Safe System Approach at Intersections in Utah
UT-24.15: Measuring the Impact of Roadside Features on Road-Departure Crashes and Prioritizing Safety Improvement Projects
UT-24.13: Validating the Collection of Skid Data by Assessing Correlation with Crash Data
UT-24.12: Effect of Roadway Lighting on Safety
UT-24.08: Construction Work Zone Safety: Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Construction Work Zone Crashes
UT-24.03: Transportation Benefits and Costs of Reducing Lane Widths on Urban and Rural Arterials
UT-24.01: Developing Safety Performance Functions for Utah Roadways and Intersections
UT-23.22: Simulating Incident Management Team Response and Performance
UT-23.21: Fatality Reductions Abroad: A Survey of Success from Foreign Jurisdictions
UT-23.20: Effectiveness of ITS on Utah Roadways
UT-23.19: Safe Routes Utah Plans and Active Transportation Safety
UT-23.18: Best Practices for Responding to and Evaluating Fatal Crashes
UT-23.16: Intelligent Queue Length Estimation on Ramps Using Computer Vision and Machine Learning Algorithms
UT-23.16: FINAL PRESENTATION RECORDING
UT-23.15: Using Severity-Weighted Risk Scores to Prioritize Safety Funding in Utah
UT-23.13: Development of Crash Modification Factors (CMFs) for Utah Intersections
UT-23.09: Right-Turn Safety for Walking/Bicycling: Impacts of Curb/Corner Radii and Other Factors
UT-23.06: Automated Safety Assessment of Rural Roadways Using Computer Vision
UT-23.05: Analysis of Benefits of UDOT’s Expanded Incident Management Team Program
UT-23.03: Investigation of Rural Roadway Departures
UT-22.26: Utilizing LiDAR Sensors to Detect Pedestrian Movements at Signalized Intersections
UT-22.23: Design and Evaluate Coordinated Ramp Metering Strategies for Utah Freeways
UT-22.21: Detecting Traffic Data Anomalies in Longitudinal Signal Performance Measures
UT-22.17: An Evaluation of the Safe Speed Limit Setting Procedure and Tool for Utah
UT-22.17: PROJECT BRIEF
UT-22.16: Investigation of Secondary Crash Along Highways in Utah, Phase I
UT-22.14: Analysis of Using V2X DSRC-Equipped Snowplows to Request Signal Preemption
UT-22.14: PROJECT BRIEF
UT-22.11: Development of Educational Materials for the Public and First Responders on the Limitations of Advanced Driving Assistance Systems
UT-22.06: Evaluating Ramp Meter Wait Time in Utah
UT-22.01: Predicting Lane Utilization at Signalized Intersections in Advance of Arterial Lane Drops
UT-21.31: Evaluating the Impact of Detour Messaging on Actual Driver Detour Behavior
UT-21.30: Non-Destructive Evaluation and Numerical Modeling of Unrated Installed Crash Barriers
UT-21.27: Developing the Concept of Operations for a Mobile Application to Interface with a Central Traffic Signal System
UT-21.27: FINAL PRESENTATION RECORDING
UT-21.13: Analysis of Benefits of an Expansion to UDOT’s Incident Management Program
UT-21.12: Evaluation of Methods for Left Turn Gap Analysis Using High-Resolution Signal Data
UT-21.08: Safety in Numbers? Developing Improved Safety Predictive Methods for Pedestrian Crashes at Signalized Intersections in Utah Using Push Button-Based Measures of Exposure
UT-21.07: I-80 Hybrid Regulatory Speed Limit Signing Design and VSL System Evaluation
UT-21.07: FINAL PRESENTATION RECORDING
UT-21.05: Data-Based Testing and Decision Process for Traffic Signal Steel Replacement
UT-21.05: FINAL PRESENTATION RECORDING
UT-21.04: Methodology for Evaluating Intersection Safety & Operational Performance with Left-Turn Phasing
UT-21.03: Utilizing Machine Learning to Cross-Check Traffic Data and Understand Urban Mobility
UT-20.16: Transit Signal Progression Algorithm for Supporting Redwood Road Transit Signal Priority (TSP)
UT-20.15: Multi-Stage Algorithm for Detection-Error Identification and Data Screening
UT-20.10: Gauging the Effectiveness of Safe Routes to School Projects
UT-20.10: FINAL PRESENTATION RECORDING
UT-20.08: Evaluating the Quality of Signal Operations Using Signal Performance Measures
UT-20.06: Impacts of Changing the Transit Signal Priority Requesting Threshold on Bus Performance and General Traffic: A Sensitivity Analysis
UT-20.06: FINAL PRESENTATION RECORDING
UT-20.04: Segment and Intersection Crash Analysis Methodologies for Utah Highways
UT-20.01: HOT Lane Detection and Management Scan
UT-19.29: Guidance for Enhanced Pedestrian Treatments within Reduced-Speed School Zones (RSSZs)
UT-19.27: Identification of Wildlife-Vehicle Conflict Hotspots in Utah
UT-19.26: Investigation of Utah Highway Speed-Limit Compliance Rates and Evaluation of Speed-Limit Design in Towns Along Highways
UT-19.21: Travel-Time Reliability in Simulation and Planning Models: Utah Case Study (SHRP2 L04 IAP Round 7)
UT-19.20: Non-Optimal Usage and Perception of a Protected Intersection for Bicycling and Walking, Salt Lake City, UT
UT-19.16: Evaluation Criteria for Safe Routes to School Projects
UT-19.13: Assessment of the Effectiveness of Wrong-Way Driving (WWD) Detection System
UT-19.05: An Analysis of Decision Boundaries for Left-Turn Treatments
UT-19.04: Safety Effects of Protected and Protected/Permissive Left-Turn Phases
UT-19.01: Analysis of Performance Measures of Traffic Incident Management in Utah
UT-18.08: Streamlined Access Permitting Process
UT-18.02: Developing a Method to Identify Horizontal Curve Segments with High Crash Occurrences Using the HAF Algorithm
UT-18.01: Risk Assessment of Non-Motorized Access to Rail Transit Stations
Research Performed by Other UDOT Divisions
Other Research & Innovation Links
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