Pavement markings make travel safer for all road users. However, the material used for retroreflectivity can be slicker than the surrounding pavement. To maximize the safety of bicyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians, MnDOT and local agencies explored the friction values of different marking materials. Project results produced valuable information on relative friction between pavement and marking materials and, importantly, identified effective testing tools to evaluate and compare products.
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Evaluation of Corrugated Pipes Manufactured with Recycled Materials
MnDOT currently requires corrugated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes to be made with 100% virgin materials. However, recent changes to federal standards allow for the use of corrugated HDPE pipes manufactured with more sustainable postconsumer and postindustrial recycled content. This project examined and compared the performance of both types of corrugated pipes to determine the suitability of using HDPE pipes manufactured with recycled materials in Minnesota.
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Strategies for Addressing Deteriorated Concrete Roads
Treating early deterioration in concrete pavement can extend a road’s service life and defer costly replacement. An assessment of different strategies years later demonstrated that over time, asphalt overlays made the roadways smoother for travelers.
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Impacts of Automated Vehicle Feature Integration
Automated vehicle (AV) features such as adaptive cruise control could significantly increase driver safety and mobility. But in some circumstances, these features can alter vehicle movement and spacing, and interfere with traffic flow. This project analyzed the integration of varying levels of AVs with human-driven vehicles (HVs) and the impact on ramp meter operations to measure the effects and identify potential solutions and modifications.
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Incorporating Sustainability into the Procurement Process
The production and use of construction materials for transportation projects have varying impacts on the environment based on factors such as production process, transportation and material inputs. To mitigate negative outcomes, MnDOT sought to incorporate environmental impacts into the procurement process for concrete mixtures and concrete pavement. This project provided a framework for considering environmental impacts and standardizing a reporting system to encourage the use of low-carbon construction materials in infrastructure projects.
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Utilizing Recycled Tires to Treat Stormwater
Repurposing old tires as tire-derived aggregate (TDA) is a stormwater management practice that could retain phosphate in underground treatment systems and prevent it from reaching the soil, surface waters and groundwater. However, chemicals from the TDA may leach into the soil and water sources. This project identifies the environmental impacts and cost-effectiveness of deploying TDA to manage stormwater in Minnesota cities and counties.
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Enhancing Safety for Pedestrians and Bicyclists at Roundabouts
Compared to traditional intersections, roundabouts have been proven to decrease serious crashes. However, because drivers yield rather than stop upon entering roundabouts and at crosswalks, public concerns about pedestrian and bicyclist safety remain. Research and field evaluations into driver yielding and speed behaviors generated insights to guide local transportation agencies and MnDOT to further enhance pedestrian safety at roundabouts.
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TZD Traffic Safety Hotdish: Research in Action—Perspectives from Minnesota’s Traffic Safety Research Ecosystem
July 16, 2025
1:00–2:15 p.m. Central
Virtual via Zoom
Join us as our very own “Roads” Scholars share more about their recent traffic safety research. Presenters from the University of Minnesota and Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) will share findings from recent projects and talk about the collaborations that drive traffic safety research throughout Minnesota.
Speakers
- Jackie Jiran, PE—MnDOT
- Max Moreland, PE, PTOE—MnDOT
- Nichole Morris, PhD—University of Minnesota
- Mark Wagner, PE—MnDOT
- Kyle Shelton, PhD—University of Minnesota; Moderator
Registration
The webinar is free to attend, but registration is required. Once you have registered, you will receive an email confirmation with a Zoom link. The link should not be shared with others; it is unique to you.
Credit
Attendees are eligible for 1.25 Professional Development Hours (PDHs). Download the PDH credit form (PDF) for your records.
For complete information, go to TZD Traffic Safety Hotdish.
Pavement Markings to Support Automated Vehicles
Automated vehicles (AVs) using advanced driver assistance systems depend on pavement markings to accurately track roadway lanes. While MnDOT continues to ensure human drivers easily and effectively detect and interpret various pavement markings, the agency also wanted to understand marking designs and characteristics that support AV functions. Field observations in different locations, during the day and at night, using different data collection methods allowed researchers to evaluate the impact of various pavement marking properties on AV lane-keeping functions. Results support MnDOT in producing pavement marking guidance that is responsive to changing needs.
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An Evaluation of Vehicle Identification Technology
To successfully manage the state road network, MnDOT needs a thorough understanding of the number and type of vehicles on the road. To obtain this information, the agency upgraded existing inductive loop infrastructure at select locations to enable these sensors to collect vehicle classification data. This project evaluated the accuracy of the inductive loop upgrade and its life cycle costs to determine its viability for future use on Minnesota roads.
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Crossroads 