The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is installing new under-mast lights at intersections across the state to enhance pedestrian safety, especially in poorly lit areas.
The under-mast lights, developed by UDOT engineers, are compact LED fixtures mounted beneath existing traffic signal arms. They create a focused beam of light over crosswalks, helping drivers see pedestrians more clearly at night.
“Crosswalk users can often see a car before the car sees them,” said David Townsend, UDOT traffic signal supervisor, in a statement. “These lights help drivers recognize where to be cautious and improve safety for everyone.”
UDOT has installed about 150 of the lights statewide, including recent additions in Ogden and St. George. The department plans further installations over the coming months.
The design avoids the need for new poles and helps navigate around low-hanging power lines, cutting costs and simplifying the installation process.
Since 2019, Utah has averaged 43 pedestrian deaths annually, according to UDOT. So far this year, nine have been reported.
Installations are prioritized based on crash data and lighting conditions collected since the pandemic. UDOT aims to equip every state-owned signalized intersection with under-mast lighting within five years.
Source: Utah Department of Transportation, KUTV.com
