Elections to the ITS America Hall of Fame are made annually, and are rooted in recipients’ proven leadership in the transportation technology arena. One requirement is that each individual must be an advocate and demonstrator of technology’s role in transportation.
Braceras was appointed executive director of the UDOT by Governor Gary Herbert on May 6, 2013. He was reappointed to serve as executive Director by Governor Spencer Cox in January 2021. In this capacity, he is responsible for UDOT’s more than 1,600 employees and the design, construction, and maintenance of Utah’s 6,000-mile system of roads and highways. He has recently launched a redefining of the Department’s goals and mission and has overseen the completion of several massive highway projects like the Utah County I-15 Corridor Expansion (I-15 CORE) and the Mountain View Corridor in west Salt Lake County. Both projects used innovative contracting methods that allowed each to be completed in record time.
"It's an honour to be recognised by so many of my distinguished colleagues and ITS America,” Braceras commented. “The transportation industry is undergoing one of its most transformative periods as technology and innovation move at record pace. I strongly believe that technology will be vital as we work to improve safety, mobility, and reliability on our transportation system. I am grateful to work alongside so many individuals who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of what's possible to enhance quality of life through transportation technology."
Prior to joining UDOT, Braceras worked as a well-site geologist doing oil and gas exploration and development. He is currently chair of the AASHTO Design Committee, chair of the Centre for Environmental Excellence Advisory Board, member and past chair of the TRB Executive Committee, member of the board of directors and past president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, member of the board of directors and past president of the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, past chair of ITS America, and past chair of RUC West.
