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SALT LAKE CITY — Authorities believe the new variable speed limit in Parleys Canyon is making a positive impact since it began about a month ago.
During snowstorms, signs in parts of the canyon change to show a lower speed limit.
"It's been a great success," said UDOT traffic engineer Daniel Page. He said UDOT has implemented the variable speed limits eight times since the system went live about three weeks ago.
UDOT is confident it is making travel through the canyon safer, according to spokesman Adan Carillo.
"Especially in days where there is a lot of traffic on the roadway and a lot of stop-and-go conditions because of the weather," he said.
"We're able to provide drivers with information beforehand to be able to respond correctly based on the actual conditions that we're seeing in Parleys, whether it's a snowstorm or an accident," Page said.
UDOT conducted extensive research before putting in the signs, Carillo said, including studying other areas of the country. Page said that research shows the signs reduced the number of traffic accidents, and the same result is expected in Utah.
UDOT is considering whether to put similar signs in other areas, like Sardine and Provo canyons.
"We are going to look at this and see how it works, and if it needs to be tweaked in any way," Carillo said. "We do believe it's meant to work better as a transportation system. We are hopeful if those results prove the way we are expecting them to be, we will be able to implement them somewhere else."
The speed limit can go up or down in 5 mile per hour increments at a time. The new speed limit becomes legally enforceable.
