UDOT executive director discuses transportation integration, public outreach, and educating future engineers in new video

Washington, D.C. — In a new video from the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Executive Director Carlos Braceras outlines his vision for UDOT — an agency with more than 1,600 employees, responsible for 6,000 miles of roadway.

"At UDOT, we are moving toward a vision of integrated transportation — roads that include appropriate connections to transit, as well as ample accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians," said Braceras. "UDOT has made it a priority to listen to our constituents and address their priorities."

Braceras served UDOT as deputy director and chief engineer for 12 years before being appointed executive director in April 2013. In addition to the department's four strategic goals — Preserve Infrastructure, Zero Fatalities, Optimize Mobility, and Strengthen the Economy — Braceras has focused the department on transit, bicycle, and pedestrian connectivity as "areas of emphasis."

Another main initiative for the department is increased transparency and engagement — specifically, making more information available to members of the public.

"The public wants to be more involved than ever before and they deserve an explanation of how decisions are made and why," Braceras said.

As one of the largest engineering organizations in the state, UDOT is also working to motivate and support students in their pursuits of education in engineering and other technical fields. "Educators are happy about this approach because we're asking how we can support their efforts," Braceras said.

Watch other Two-Minute State DOT Update videos on AASHTO's Transportation TV at www.TransportationTV.org.