Wyoming Department of Transportation Receives $1.5 Million Grant for Enhanced Work Zone Safety

In a bid to enhance work zone safety, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has been granted $1.5 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The funding will be used to implement connected vehicle programs that will allow WYDOT to directly communicate with drivers about work zone hazards through a Situation Data Exchange system developed in collaboration with Trihydro Corp.

The system will enable WYDOT to define work zones more clearly on its 511 traveler information tools, providing automated driving systems and drivers with better information to navigate safely through work zones across the nation. According to WYDOT Director Darin Westby, the technology will provide drivers with a more transparent and accurate representation of what a specific work zone looks like on any given day.

With this grant, WYDOT will join other states in adopting new Federal Work Zone Data Exchange standards. A total of 34 states received grants, which do not require matching funds and cover program development and implementation costs. The initiative aims to make work zones safer for everyone involved and increase awareness among drivers to reduce accidents and improve overall road safety.