From a competitive pool of over 75 proposals, MnDOT and the Minnesota Local Road Research Board have funded 25 new research projects and are seeking volunteers to serve as Technical Advisory Panel members and help guide the research.

Researchers will address transportation challenges, such as:

• Development of a System to Report School Bus Stop-Arm Violations
• Role of Arts, Culture and Placemaking in Transportation Projects
• Evaluation of Gravel Stabilizer Used on Gravel Roads and Gravel Shoulders
• Assessing a New Tool for Early Detection of Endangered Turtles on Proposed Transportation Projects
• Re-Use of Minnesota Waste Material in Sustainably Design Soils

“This is a truly impressive group of new research projects that will address a diverse set of research needs,” said Marcus Bekele, MnDOT Research Program Coordinator. “We appreciate all of the project champions and subject matter experts who have supported the process from idea to project selection.”

Each spring, the MnDOT Research Steering Committee and the Minnesota Local Road Research Board solicit research ideas from transportation practitioners and later request proposals from universities. In December, the research governing boards meet to hear these proposals and select projects for funding.

To receive updates on any of the funded projects, select “subscribe” on the project webpage. To volunteer for a project advisory team, contact reserach.dot@state.mn.us.

Have an idea for MnDOT’s next funding cycle? Ideas are due March 15 for 2022 projects. Visit IdeaScale to submit your idea.