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UDOT Launches New Technology on Snow Plows

The Utah Department of Transportation hopes to keep the public informed about snow removal through new GPS technology embedded in its smartphone app and online.

Utah's Department of Transportation launched new GPS technology as part of its UDOT Traffic app, aiming to better monitor its fleet of 500 plus snow plows. The public can now access real-time information on the status of snow plows throughout the state. 

Jason Davis, the operations director for UDOT said the new system will increase the connection between UDOT and the public. With the new addition to the UDOT Traffic app, a person can view where the snow plows have been over the last 30 minutes and they can better plan their journey. 

The public can now access real-time information on the status of snow plows throughout the state.

"The biggest benefit is going to come when we're in a large snow event and we're looking to move resources from one area to another and we can kind of see which routes have already been hit and those routes that maybe haven't had as much attention or are getting an increase in snowfall and need some attention," Davis said.  

Davis said he commends the snow plow crews for their efforts in maintaining safe roads throughout Utah. 

"When we get those calls from people saying 'Hey, your plows haven't been out there yet', this really does show the hard work plow drivers put in day in and day out, 24/7, doesn't matter what day of the year it is," Davis said. 

But the technology still needs some work, Davis said. As the UDOT app is tracked through cellular towers across the state, areas with poor with reception will be unable to access real-time information regarding where the snow plows have been. Davis said UDOT is considering implementing satellite technology to better cover those areas. 

A person can download the app, 'UDOT Traffic,' to their smartphone or access the information online at udottraffic.utah.gov.