The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is adding vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology to 100 more snowplows this year to improve winter road maintenance, doubling the number of vehicles equipped with this technology.
The wireless V2X systems enable snowplows to communicate with traffic signals and other infrastructure. This includes “transit signal preemption,” which adjusts traffic lights to give plows extended green times or change red lights to green, reducing delays. UDOT has tested V2X technology since 2015, with current deployments in Salt Lake and Utah counties. The system aims to enhance efficiency and safety by keeping snowplows moving, which helps clear roads faster and reduces risks for drivers.
Future upgrades may allow V2X to send alerts to drivers about road hazards, work zones, or sharp curves. The technology is expected to improve overall traffic safety during winter operations.
Regarding funding, UDOT received a $20 million federal grant in June 2024 to advance V2X technology deployment across Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. This grant supports various initiatives, including the integration of V2X systems in snowplows to improve winter road safety.
