General research posts.
Originally published in Catalyst, February 13, 2023.
Public transit services are vital for community health and connectivity, yet the transit solutions found in urban areas—such as frequent bus service and light rail—don’t exist in rural areas. As a result, mobility may be limited in rural communities because of the high costs and low availability of affordable, reliable transportation options.
Continue reading Findings Lay Groundwork for Shared Mobility Transit in Rural MinnesotaThis article was originally posted on Catalyst, January 2023.
Wearable technology could improve work-zone safety, but are highway workers on board?
Despite ongoing safety efforts, highway maintenance and operations workers have dangerous jobs. According to the Federal Highway Administration, an average of 135 highway workers loses their lives each year because of traffic incursions and limited space for maneuvering. Wearable technology embedded in work gear offers the promise of preventing injuries and deaths—and is already being used successfully in other construction fields. The big question: Would highway workers accept this technology?
Continue reading Wearable technology for highway worker’s safetyWhat’s next in transportation? CTS’s new Future of Mobility series collects the perspectives of top University of Minnesota researchers and other national experts.
In 17 articles, the authors scan the horizon and reflect on critical transportation topics ranging from rural transportation to automated vehicles to equity for users. The future of transportation will be a complex, interconnected set of practices and technologies, and this series brings bold thinking together in one place.
Continue reading Scholars reflect on critical transportation topics in new Future of Mobility seriesThe reuse of old tires that often end up in landfills has a significant environmental benefit. Tire derived aggregate (TDA), a waste product from automobile tires, can be used in stormwater treatment systems and has shown to be effective at retaining phosphate. However, TDA does not prevent the leaching of metals including zinc and copper.
Developing media for stormwater infiltration/filtration that uses TDA in combination with materials that can capture metals has several advantages. It would prevent more pollutants from being released into Minnesota’s lakes and streams, save on landfill space and reduce stormwater management costs.
“The use of TDA has been proposed in the past for use in stormwater treatment. However, local agencies aren’t very familiar with the product being used for this application and have concerns about its potential to contaminate groundwater resources,” said Mark Hansen, city engineer, City of Coon Rapids. “Initial research is showing positive benefits for the use of TDA as a component of the stormwater treatment process, while minimizing its impacts to groundwater. Using TDA for this application provides a great opportunity to redirect old car tires from landfills and beneficially reuse them to assist in providing stormwater treatment.”
Details of the research study work plan and timeline are subject to change.
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One of the best ways to connect with communities about projects and events that affect them is to reach them where they already are – on social media. But whether you’re a social media newbie or a communications professional, there are always new trends, technology, and platforms to learn, and it can be overwhelming.
Continue reading 20 Tips to Up Your Social Media GameThis article was originally published by Clear Roads, July 2022.
Each spring, the Clear Roads Technical Advisory Committee meets to review research proposals and select new projects for funding. This year, the committee selected five projects:
Continue reading Clear Roads Selects 2022 Research ProjectsMnDOT’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 ToolFrom 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.
Continue reading State Research Program Funds Projects to Address Transportation ChallengesThe National Road Research Alliance (NRRA) is hosting “Performance Benefits of Fiber-Reinforced Thin Concrete Pavement and Overlays” on September 21 at 10 a.m. CST, presented by Manik Barman, University of Minnesota Duluth.
Continue reading Research Pays Off Webinar Series: Performance Benefits of Fiber-Reinforced Thin Concrete Pavement and OverlaysMnDOT and the Minnesota Local Road Research Board have funded 26 new research projects and are seeking volunteers to serve as Technical Advisory Panel members and help guide the research.
Continue reading MnDOT & LRRB Award Funding to Innovative Research
Crossroads 