The UDOT Traffic Operations Center(TOC) in Salt Lake City, Utah, brings traffic information and operations from around the state into one location and helps UDOT keep traffic moving. At the facility, transportation professionals can control traffic devices, update intelligent transportation system (ITS) services, monitor traffic and weather conditions, and dispatch emergency crews when needed. To the side of the traffic operations center is a radio studio where traffic reports are regularly sent out to alert drivers of accidents, detours, and congestion that they will face in their commute. Additionally, drivers can find up-to-date traffic conditions on UDOT’s web service, CommuterLink.

On Friday, March 11, BYU ITE visited the TOC. A total of 15 students participated in a tour given by David Kinnecom. During the tour, students visited the electronics lab, the weather operations center, the traffic operations center, and the computer servers.

The field trip offered students the opportunity to learn about the role of traffic engineers and the TOC in helping drivers have a safe and enjoyable commute on Utah’s roads.