UDOT debuts cutting-edge technology set to make intersections safer

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Department of Transportation is the first in the U.S. to use cutting-edge tech to help make intersections safer.

The groundbreaking technology is called LiDAR. It scans and analyzes intersections.

UDOT demonstrated LiDAR on Tuesday, at the 5900 South and State Street intersection in Murray. UDOT’s John Gleason explained that they use laser beams to scan and recreate a scene.

“We can see if there are any adjustments that need to be made in terms of getting pedestrians and bicyclists across safely. If there are near misses we can track those as well, where we couldn’t in the past,” Gleason said. 

The end result looks more like 3D models, not actual images or video. That’s to keep everyone anonymous, as they say the data adjusts the settings of the lights and timing. UDOT will also use the technology to better plan future intersections.

This technology isn’t to “catch” people in order to mail them tickets. Instead, it’s to make adjustments in real time when needed. 

“If there’s a slower moving pedestrian, and they stumble or they are just slow in getting across, the system will add an extra five seconds onto the green light time to allow them to cross safely,” Gleason said. 

Other intersections with LiDAR are Redwood Road and 2100 South and 700 East and 1300 South. UDOT says they are also testing LiDAR at two Provo locations. 

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