What transportation problems will Minnesota researchers attempt to solve next year?
MnDOT Research Services & Library has released its annual request for proposals, which provides a sneak peak into the projects that may be selected.
The top favorites of those ranking 24 potential research ideas:
- A roadside tool to assess snowplow driver fatigue.
- An educational video to help cities and counties invest more in pothole prevention.
- Creation of a chloride water quality standard for road salt that takes public safety into account.
- Assessment of the impact of different pedestrian crossing systems.
- Modern construction designs for new timber bridges in rural Minnesota.
Each year, MnDOT and the Local Road Research Board solicit ideas for new research projects from MnDOT staff and city and county engineers. The ideas are then reviewed and ranked by the LRRB and MnDOT’S Transportation Research Innovation Group, which represents MnDOT’s districts and specialty offices.
“We always reach out to the specialty offices and help them develop ideas and prioritize current needs,” said Hafiz Munir, MnDOT research management engineer. “They’re in the driver’s seat. We are guiding them through the process.”
Of nearly 100 ideas submitted this year, transportation researchers will have a chance to bid on 24 ideas from seven different research areas.
The current RFP solicitation is open to faculty from universities with MnDOT master contracts, as well as MnDOT’s own Office of Materials and Road Research.
Munir said this year’s portfolio of potential projects was very well-balanced.
Funding awards will be announced in December. If you have a research idea you’d like to submit for a future RFP, click here.
Read a brief summary (PDF) of all the ideas or click below for individual need statements.
Materials and Construction
- Optimizing Pavement Foundations to Resist Environmental Effects (PDF)
- Using Mobile Microwave Technology with HMA Paving to Extend Longitudinal Joint Life (PDF)
- Installation of Insulation Over Centerline Culverts (PDF)
- Evaluation of Stabilized Full Depth Reclamation (PDF)
- PCC and HMA Evaluation Tool for Local Agencies (PDF)
- Options and Guidance When Using Base Stabilization Additives (PDF)
- Maintenance Solutions for Slope Failure (PDF)
Traffic Safety
- Assessing the Impact of Pedestrian Crossing Systems (PDF)
- Validating an Objective Roadside Tool to Assess Fatigue in Snow Plow Drivers (PDF)
- Using In-Vehicle Warnings to Reduce Risky Driver Behavior in Work Zones (PDF)
- Assessing the Impact of Freight Operation on Regional Transportation Systems (PDF)
Maintenance, Operations and Security
Planning and Policy
- Refining Return on Investment Methodology/Tool for MnPASS (PDF)
- Manufacturers’ Perspectives on Minnesota’s Transportation System (PDF)
- Critical Paths: The Effect of Connectivity on Accessibility
- Develop Tool to Measure Reliability (PDF)
Multimodal
- How Do We Effectively Connect Transitways to Final Destinations (“The Last Mile”) (PDF)
- What is the Optimimum Arrangement of Land Uses Around Transit Stations? (PDF)
Environmental
- Development of a Chloride Water Quality Standard Which Incorporates Safety Factors (PDF)
- Concrete Grinding Residue: It’s Effect on Roadside Vegetation and Soil Properties (PDF)
- Comparing Properties of Water Absorbing/Filtering Media for Bioslope/Bioswale Design (PDF)
- Meeting NPDES Requirements for Stormwater Management within the Public Road Right-of-Way in Urbanized Areas (PDF)
Bridges and Structures
Crossroads 