UDOT helps keep traffic signals clear of snow with new ‘heat tape’ – Cache Valley Daily

Snow blasted traffic light at 600 S 1000 W in Logan. (Photo: UDOT)

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has begun installing new heat tape devices on traffic signals statewide to help drivers see them clearly during heavy snowfall.

The heat tape, which sits on the underside of the hood/visor of individual signal lights, can be operated remotely by UDOT and integrates into existing traffic light wiring. The tape provides a heated cap for the signal light that melts away snow during severe weather.

Mark Taylor, traffic signal operations engineer at UDOT said they have been looking at ways to prevent snow buildup on traffic signals for years now — it has been more of an issue since the change to brighter, more energy-efficient LED signal lights. After some discussions with their supplier, they’ve developed and are installing a solution that is both cost-effective and works well in most conditions.

Snow-covered signal lights may be a relatively new sight for some Utahns. Up until the mid 2000s, incandescent bulbs were used, and the heat from those lamps kept much of the snow at bay. But incandescent bulbs consumed nearly 20 times the electricity of LEDs, had to be changed every few years, and were less visible in many conditions.

Taylor said until heat tape, the go-to method was to send out a technician with what is essentially a toilet bowl brush on a pole to clear the snow manually.

UDOT has installed the devices on more than 450 signals, with a focus on lights facing north and west that tend to get packed with snow. Active heat tape installations are in Cache, Davis, Utah, Salt Lake and Iron counties. The department has 67 intersections that are ready to go, and will continue the rollout throughout 2023 at intersections prone to snow buildup.

will@cvradio.com