SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) -- The Utah Department of Transportation has installed more than 1,000 touchless crosswalk buttons at nearly 250 intersections in Utah -- and the technology is expected to expand across the state in the coming years.
The touchless buttons are referred to as accessible pedestrian signal (APS) technology, and are 'radar-enabled,' according to UDOT. The buttons are activated by two kinds of action: Making a movement (such as nodding or waving), or activating the buttons with a pedestrian mobility app.
"Crosswalks with APS technology help people with varying disabilities safely, confidently and independently cross streets," UDOT said in a Monday press release.
APS technology also has an audio feature to inform pedestrians to "wait" or let them know the "walk sign is on." UDOT said that, by 2033, it plans to install APS technology at "every signalized intersection" on Utah's state routes.
"This new crosswalk technology benefits everyone by facilitating safe and independent movement through pedestrian networks regardless of age or ability," Mike Blanchette, UDOT traffic engineer, said. "The app and touchless buttons are key components of an accessible, inclusive transportation system."
As of Oct. 2024, UDOT said all state-managed streets in Cedar City and Moab were equipped with APS technology. The touchless buttons were expected to expand as far north as Logan, in addition to Ogden, Salt Lake City, and Provo.
Citizens can flag areas they think should be prioritized by UDOT using an online form. The form gives citizens the option to be notified when their requested intersection has been upgraded.
UDOT said $800,000 per year will be allocated per year to purchase and deploy the APS buttons, which cost about $7,000 per intersection. A map of current and future APS buttons is available online.