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| What is UDOT Traffic? |
| UDOT Traffic is an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) that uses
technology to save lives, time, and money. It is a computer-controlled system
designed to monitor and manage traffic flow on freeways and surface streets.
System components include closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, electronic
variable message signs (VMS), the 511 Travel Information Line, coordinated traffic
signals, ramp meters, traffic speed and volume sensors, pavement sensors, and
weather sensors.
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| Where can I get traveler info? |
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By using the UDOT Traffic App.
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From the UDOT Traffic website.
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From the UDOT Traffic Twitter page.
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Dialing 511 on your telephone.
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Selecting UDOT Traffic Alerts, from your profile page.
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| How does UDOT Traffic work? |
| Using closed-circuit TV cameras, traffic and weather sensors,
coordinated traffic signals, and ramp meters, operators in the Utah Department
of Transportation (UDOT) Traffic Operation Center (TOC) monitor and manage
traffic flow on surface streets and freeways. The UDOT TOC is connected to
smaller Traffic Control Centers (TCCs) in Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County,
as well as UTA's three Radio Control Centers. All these agencies work together
to improve travel along the Wasatch Front. The traffic, weather, and accident
information collected at the TOC is communicated to Utah travelers via the 511
Travel Information Line, electronic roadway signs, radio, television, and the
Internet. This information helps travelers "Know Before They Go" and allows
them to make informed transportation decisions.
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| How did UDOT Traffic begin? |
| As Utah continues to grow, so does the challenge of mobility. In
1995, the Utah Senate passed Senate Bill 1995-12, which addressed Utah's
transportation challenges by establishing a Traffic Management Committee to
work with UDOT in implementing Traffic Management Systems on state highways.
The Traffic Management Committee (TMC) consists of representatives from Salt
Lake City, UDOT, Wasatch Front Regional Council, Mountainland Association
of Governments, Salt Lake County, the Department of Public Safety, and the Utah
Department of Air Quality. This committee recognized the benefits of using an
Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) to manage traffic flow and improve the
efficiency of existing roads. The Utah Transit Authority and the Federal
Highway Administration also partnered with the TMC as additional ITS
possibilities were explored. UDOT Traffic is made possible through the
cooperation of these public agencies.
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| How effective is UDOT Traffic?
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| In its first years of operation, UDOT Traffic has proven its
effectiveness. The system has already helped increase peak-hour freeway speeds
by 20% and reduce freeway delays, traffic signal stops, and intersection delays
by 36%, 15%, and 27%, respectively. And this is just the beginning of what
UDOT Traffic has to offer.
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| Does this mean I never have to stop at a red light?
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| Although UDOT Traffic cannot guarantee you will only get green
lights, the system does help make traveling along the Wasatch Front more
efficient. UDOT Traffic has already helped reduce traffic signal stops by 15%.
It has also helped reduce intersection delays by 27 %. Continued benefits are
anticipated as the timing at more and more intersections is updated.
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| Why does Utah need UDOT Traffic?
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| UDOT Traffic has already improved the safety and efficiency of
transportation all along the Wasatch Front. Many Utah cities and towns are
experiencing significant population growth, with the accompanying traffic
congestion and economic impacts. UDOT Traffic is a cost-effective and efficient
solution to help relieve congestion on roads and highways. Although
UDOT Traffic doesn't mean we will never need to build additional roads, it
represents a transportation solution that allows the maximum efficiency on
existing roads.
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| Will UDOT Traffic save me money? If so, how are cost savings measured?
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| Yes, in only its first few years of operation, UDOT Traffic has
already saved Utahns time and money. By increasing peak-hour freeway speeds
while reducing freeway delays, traffic signal stops, and intersection delays,
UDOT Traffic is projected to save Utahns more than $100 million each year.
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| How does UDOT Traffic enhance safety? |
| By reducing congestion, UDOT Traffic helps decrease the number of
accidents that occur. When accidents do occur, UDOT Traffic helps emergency
personnel quickly identify, respond to, and clear the accident. These highly
trained personnel include UDOT's Incident Management Team members who help
stranded motorists and assist the highway patrol in managing traffic around
accidents.
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| Is UDOT Traffic a law enforcement tool?
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| UDOT Traffic is designed to increase the safety and efficiency of
local roads and freeways and to inform drivers of adverse conditions such as
accidents or congestion. It is not intended to identify speeders or enforce
traffic laws.
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| Will the camera footage be recorded and saved? |
| As a general rule, camera footage will not be recorded and saved.
Some occasional camera footage may be recorded strictly for training purposes.
This footage will be used to analyze and improve responses to future roadway
incidents.
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| How can I find out if there is a tranportation problem along my route?
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One of the most important features of UDOT Traffic is its ability to
give Utahns valuable real-time transportation information. The transportation,
weather, and accident information constantly gathered at the TOC is
communicated to Utah travelers via the 511 Travel Information Line, radio,
television, the Internet, the UDOT App, the UDOT Twitter page and electronic
message signs along the roadways.
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| What is the 511 travel information line and how does it work? |
| 5-1-1 is a FREE travel information phone number that offers
statewide updates on transportation, including traffic, winter road conditions,
public transit, and Lake Powell Ferry services. With 511, finding the
transportation information you need to "Know Before You Go" is easier than ever
before. Like dialing 911 for an emergency or 411 for directory assistance,
those who travel in Utah can dial 511 toll-free to obtain transportation
information. Travelers wishing to access the system from outside the state can
call 866-511-UTAH (8824). The system is voice-activated, allowing callers to
simply speak their requests instead of having to select options by dialing more
numbers. Utah was one of the first states to launch 511 after the Federal
Communications Commission officially designated 511 as a nationwide number for
travel information in July 2000.
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| What is the "Amber Alert"? How is it related to UDOT Traffic? |
"Amber Alert" is the national name of the Child Abduction Alert System.
This system is a voluntary, cooperative partnership between law-enforcement and
other agencies as well as local broadcasters. It is designed to alert the
public when a child has been abducted and is believed to be in grave danger.
UDOT Traffic has been selected as an "official source" of Amber Alert
information and supports the system by disseminating information to the public
via electronic roadway signs, highway advisory radio, the 511 Travel
Information Line, the UDOT Traffic website, and e-mail alerts. To find out if
there is currently an Amber Alert, you may click on the "Alerts" button on the
top toolbar of this website and then select "Amber / Child Abduction Alerts."
You will also experience a pop-up alert when you log onto this site if there is
a current Amber Alert.
The public plays an essential role in the success of the Amber Alert. The plan
relies on the public to help locate abducted children before it's too late.
Following are instructions for the public:
*If you hear an Amber Alert be on the lookout for the child and
suspect described in the alert message. The alert will include a telephone
number so you can report any sightings to that number as soon as possible. Call
911 if you are unsure of the number.
*Local TV and radio broadcasters will have updated information about
the victim or suspect. You can also obtain "Amber Alert" information by calling
511 or by checking this website (udot.utah.gov/traffic).
*If you witness a child abduction, contact your local law enforcement agency or
911 to report it quickly. Be sure to make note of important information such as
the physical characteristics of the child and suspect, the make and model of
any vehicles involved (including license plate numbers if possible), and the
precise location of the abduction.
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| Can I tour the TOC or get more information? |
| To schedule a tour of the TOC or for more information, please call
(801) 887-3710.
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| Do the map pages automatically refresh? |
| Yes, all map pages on this site will automatically reload with new
fresh images and data every 5 minutes. After connecting to the site you
could leave the page open for hours and see the traffic information updated on
a regular basis.
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| What is the best browser to use when viewing the UDOT Traffic web site? |
| Internet Explorer 8 and above, Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox. |