The new system involves a key on signal boxes that crossing guards can use to add 10 to 15 seconds of extra walk time during the morning and afternoon times when student walk or bike to school.
UDOT says its Traffic Operations Center is the first entity in the nation to develop this type of technology, which costs roughly $20 per crosswalk and 30 minutes to install.
“This is a low cost, easy solution that will pay off with increased safety and better traffic flow for the area, which is UDOT’s ultimate goal,” says UDOT School and Pedestrian Safety Program Manager Cherissa Olson. “We want to make sure students are getting to and from school every day safe and sound.”
“With all of the traffic in this area, something had to be done to help our students get to and from school safely,” says Cindy Jacobsen, crossing guard supervisor for West Jordan. “This new tool from UDOT gives us an easy solution that will make our jobs easier.”
UDOT asks school administrators seeking to add the technology to crosswalks in their proximity send an email detail the request to [email protected].
