MnDOT’s existing and future assets will become increasingly stressed by extreme weather patterns due to climate change. Minnesota’s assets are particularly vulnerable to projected precipitation increases and larger and more frequent extreme storm events.
Continue reading Webinar Recording: Extreme Flood Vulnerability Assessment ToolAll posts by Micaela Kranz
New Project: Designing and Implementing Maintainable Pedestrian Safety Countermeasures
In Minnesota, one challenge with installing safety countermeasures for people walking and ensuring year-round access to pedestrian infrastructure is winter maintenance.
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State Research Program Funds Projects to Address Transportation Challenges
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.
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New Project: Identifying Deer-Vehicle Collision Concentrations in Minnesota
Deer-vehicle collisions are a significant risk to public safety on Minnesota roads—causing injuries and death for humans and animals, and property damage. Minnesota ranks among the top 10 riskiest states for deer-vehicle collisions in the nation.
Continue reading New Project: Identifying Deer-Vehicle Collision Concentrations in Minnesota
New Project: Designing An Autonomous Service to Cover Transit Last Mile in Low-Density Areas
Public transportation provides a safe, convenient, affordable, and eco‐friendly mobility service. However, due to its fixed routes and limited network coverage, it is sometimes difficult or impossible for passengers to walk from a transit stop to their destination. This inaccessibility problem is also known as the “transit last mile connectivity problem”.
Continue reading New Project: Designing An Autonomous Service to Cover Transit Last Mile in Low-Density Areas
New Project: Bridge Low Slump Concrete Overlay Mix Design for Mobile Mixers
In recent years, MnDOT has seen an increase in cracking of low slump overlays. Cracking of overlays allows chlorides to get into the bridge deck which leads to deterioration of the reinforcement and eventual delamination or spalling. This means that the bridge deck needs to be repaired or even replaced before the service life has been reached.
What is a low slump overlay? A low slump overlay is a technique used by DOTs to extend the life of bridge decks. They are typically 2″ thick and designed to provide low permeability.
Continue reading New Project: Bridge Low Slump Concrete Overlay Mix Design for Mobile Mixers
RTMC’s Road Weather Alerts Finalist for Minnesota Tech Award
The Regional Transportation Management Center’s highway weather alert project is a finalist for the Minnesota Technology Association 2021 Tekne Awards in the Digital Transformation category.
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New Project: Advancing Equity in Accessibility and Travel Experiences: The Role of Gender and Identity
In the early 1990s, Minnesota became the first state in the nation to prohibit discrimination based on a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity. Yet the state continues to use male-female categories when investigating the role of gender in transportation issues such as travel behavior and transportation accessibility. Since a person’s identity can have a significant influence on their own and others’ behavior and experiences, excluding gender diversity in this type of transportation research could result in an incomplete understanding of the issues and perceptions about quality of life.
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New Project: Evaluation of Corrugated HDPE Pipes Manufactured with Recycled Content
Historically, federal regulations have required that MnDOT use pipes made with all-new materials in various applications, such as redirecting stormwater under roadways. However, recent changes to these regulations have made it possible for the agency to also consider pipes made with recycled materials, which could provide MnDOT with more options when choosing products for future projects.
Continue reading New Project: Evaluation of Corrugated HDPE Pipes Manufactured with Recycled Content
New Project: Maximizing Transportation Assets by Building Community Connection Through Innovative Development of Rights of Way and Airspace
Transportation agencies throughout the United States are focused on repairing the damage that highway construction has caused in communities.
MnDOT seeks partnerships with communities, businesses, and government entities to better utilize state highway lands and airspace.
These partnerships aim to enhance economic wellbeing and quality of life. Projects like highway caps and development of spaces underneath highways can increase equity, reduce disparities, and limit environmental impacts.
Continue reading New Project: Maximizing Transportation Assets by Building Community Connection Through Innovative Development of Rights of Way and Airspace
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