Speed Safety Cameras (SSCs) detect the speed of vehicles through the use of radar technology or detectors that are embedded in the surface of the roadway, and associate those readings with a photograph or video of the vehicle. They can be deployed as fixed units (a stationary camera targeting a specific location), point-to-point units (multiple cameras that capture average speed over a set distance) or mobile (a portable camera positioned in a trailer or vehicle). The results are then “read” by trained analysts in a data center, who may or may not be members of law enforcement. Speeding tickets are then issued on the basis of this technology. The question facing the Minnesota Legislature in 2024 was, is this needed? And what are the best practices for implementing it?
Continue reading Administrative Rules and Structures of Speed Safety Camera SystemsAll posts by Malee Yang
New Project: Impact of Asphalt Lift Thickness on Pavement Density and Durability
Pavement durability depends on its density. Achieving adequate density depends on the size of the aggregate in the mixture and the asphalt lift thickness—the height of the asphalt layer that is applied by the paver and compacted.
Continue reading New Project: Impact of Asphalt Lift Thickness on Pavement Density and Durability
MnDOT and the Local Road Research Board Fund New Research Projects to Address Critical Transportation Issues
MnDOT and the Local Road Research Board have funded 27 new research projects out of 82 proposals submitted this year. Every MnDOT and LRRB project is guided by a Technical Advisory Panel, with each member serving an important role in the success of the project. MnDOT and LRRB are actively seeking volunteers to serve as Technical Advisory Panel members. TAP members will help with guiding research and reviewing final project deliverables.
To receive updates on any of the funded projects, select “subscribe” on the project webpage.
Bridges and Structures
Environmental
- Quantifying the Influence of Driver Behavior on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Air Quality
- Incorporation of Soil Health Engineered Measures on MnDOT Construction Projects and Resilient Stormwater Management
- Innovative Stormwater Solutions for Linear Projects
- Feasibility of LED Solar Street Lighting
- Development of Biochar Specification Criteria as Soil Amendment for Slopes, Conveyances and Stormwater Treatment Systems, Phase 2
Maintenance Operations
Materials and Construction
- Tools to Improve the Durability of Asphalt Pavements
- Feasibility of InSAR for Continuous Monitoring of Ground Deformation and Performance Tracking of Geotechnical Assets
- Evaluating and Implementing Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for Continuous and Rapid Monitoring of Moisture Fluctuations in In-service Roads
- Are Current Rigid Pavement Roundabout Designs Working in Minnesota?
- Holistic Design and Selection Criteria for Unbound Geomaterials Used in Pavement Systems
- Design Guidance and Best Practices for the Use of Light Fill
Multimodal
- Navigating Healthier Community Outcomes with Transportation Corridor Rankings
- Operational Characteristics of Conventional and Electric-Assisted Bicycles and Their Riders
Policy and Planning
- Leveraging Transportation Investments for Economic Development and Wealth Building
- Refining the Understanding of Parking Space Requirements and Its Impact on Vehicle Miles Travelled
- Speed Impacts on Complete Streets Elements, Phase 2
- Freeway Corridor Economic Impact
Traffic and Safety
- High Tension Cable Median Guardrail Expected Lifespan
- Use of Colors in Dynamic Message Signs for Both Travel Times and Static Sign Simulation
- Evaluation of Driver Speeds After Implementation of Speed Limit Reduction on Urban Streets
- Estimating Likely Mode Shift and Vehicle Miles Travelled Reduction Potential Using TBI Data and AI Algorithms
- Bike Infrastructure Planning Based on Mobile-Sourced Data and Anticipated Route Shifts
- Exploring Completeness and Accuracy of Driver Crash Reporting of Property Damage Only Crashes
- Leveraging C-V2X and Advanced Communications/Sensing for Rural Road Safety
- A Novel Red Light Running Warning System Using Connected v2i Technology, Phase 2: Driver Testing on Public Roads
New Project: Speed Impacts from Roundabouts and Other Traffic Control Devices
Roundabouts are effective at reducing driver speeds and lowering serious crash rates compared to other intersection types. Speeds vary in roundabouts, however, depending on geometric factors such as the number of lanes, entry and exit widths, and diameter. The use of supplementary control devices such as sign types, sign placement and pavement markings may also impact entry and exit speeds.
Continue reading New Project: Speed Impacts from Roundabouts and Other Traffic Control Devices
New Project: Effect of Centerlines on Prevailing Traffic Speeds of Low-Speed, Two-Lane, Two-Way Roads in Urban Contexts
Vehicle speed has a substantial influence on both the likelihood and severity of crashes involving nonmotorized road users. Reducing speeds on urban streets, in particular, enhances safety for the greatest number of vulnerable road users.
Continue reading New Project: Effect of Centerlines on Prevailing Traffic Speeds of Low-Speed, Two-Lane, Two-Way Roads in Urban Contexts
New Project: Analyzing Truck Size and Weight Impacts on Vehicle Miles Traveled
Trucks account for over one-third of transportation sector greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. MnDOT strives to identify guidance for the freight community to reduce its vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Allowing larger or heavier trucks could allow more freight to be moved per vehicle, thus reducing VMT.
Continue reading New Project: Analyzing Truck Size and Weight Impacts on Vehicle Miles Traveled
New Project: Rural Intersection Enhancement and Driver Behavior Study
The risk of severe crashes increases when minor roads intersect with higher-speed roads in rural areas. MnDOT and county traffic engineers strive to find creative solutions that will prompt drivers to make safe decisions when navigating through intersections.
Continue reading New Project: Rural Intersection Enhancement and Driver Behavior Study
New Project: Alternative Deicer Performance Characterization: Know Before the Snow
MnDOT uses alternative deicer brines containing potassium chloride, magnesium chloride and calcium chloride for winter road maintenance. The alternatives are more effective in melting roadway ice than sodium chloride alone when temperatures are below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Continue reading New Project: Alternative Deicer Performance Characterization: Know Before the Snow
New Project: Quantify the Benefits of Using Geotextiles and Geogrids to Improve the Performance of Unbound Pavement Layers
MnDOT uses geosynthetic materials to stabilize or reinforce road pavements. Various types of geosynthetics help maintain separation between pavement layers, improve drainage and prevent erosion.
Continue reading New Project: Quantify the Benefits of Using Geotextiles and Geogrids to Improve the Performance of Unbound Pavement Layers
New Project: Assessing Effectiveness of Pond Sediment Removal for Phosphorus Management in Stormwater Ponds
MnDOT manages rainwater runoff to keep pollutants like phosphorus from Minnesota’s lakes and streams. Stormwater retention ponds, an established management strategy, allow phosphorus to settle to the pond’s bottom but do require periodic cleanout.
Continue reading New Project: Assessing Effectiveness of Pond Sediment Removal for Phosphorus Management in Stormwater Ponds
Crossroads 