A variety of factors can affect a snowplow blade’s long-term performance, making it difficult for an agency to determine which blades are the most cost-effective overall. By developing a field test protocol and cost-benefit analysis methodology, the new research will make it easier for Clear Roads agencies to evaluate and compare blades in the future using the same standard procedures used in this project.
Continue reading New Clear Roads Research: Evaluating high-performance plow bladesCategory Archives: research
General research posts.
Future of Mobility: Decarbonized transportation
April 26, 2023
The Future of Mobility series collects the perspectives of top U researchers and other national experts. In 17 articles, the authors scan the horizon and reflect on critical transportation topics. Each article recommends action steps for public officials and policymakers.
Continue reading Future of Mobility: Decarbonized transportation
New methods to determine safe bridge loading will help keep Minnesota’s truck freight moving
April 10, 2023
When transportation officials determine which route a heavy truck should take, their aim is maximizing efficiency while ensuring safety. Detours around bridges on critical freight routes increase fuel and labor costs for the trucking industry—and eventually hit consumer pocketbooks, too.
Continue reading New methods to determine safe bridge loading will help keep Minnesota’s truck freight moving
Surge pricing for rides influences customer evaluation of driver performance
April 13, 2023
Surge pricing in rideshare apps leads to more complaints from customers, which ultimately eats away at drivers’ incomes, according to new U of M research.
Continue reading Surge pricing for rides influences customer evaluation of driver performance
Helping automated vehicles ‘see’ through fog and snow
April 18, 2023
While fully automated vehicles (AVs) have not yet reached the roads, the work to get them market-ready is steadily moving forward. One of the essential technologies these vehicles rely on for safety and performance is lidar, which has traditionally experienced a loss of accuracy in bad weather.
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Study recommends biodiversity when planting roadside vegetation
April 24, 2023
Traditional practices for planting and maintaining roadside turfgrass in Minnesota have generally focused on finding a few plant species that do well in combination and blanket-prescribing them across the state. A recent U of M study, however, finds that plantings tend to do better when they are both biodiverse and carefully matched to their ideal growing conditions.
Continue reading Study recommends biodiversity when planting roadside vegetation
MnDOT Library is Among State Government Libraries Recognized by Gov. Walz
Gov. Tim Walz proclaimed April 23-29 Capitol Area Library Consortium Week to recognize CALCO libraries during National Library Week.
Continue reading MnDOT Library is Among State Government Libraries Recognized by Gov. WalzNew revenues needed to fill transportation funding gap
What’s next in transportation?
The Future of Mobility series collects the perspectives of top U researchers and other national experts. In 17 articles, the authors scan the horizon and reflect on critical transportation topics. Each article recommends action steps for public officials and policymakers.
Continue reading New revenues needed to fill transportation funding gapRefocusing Transportation Decision Making
Monday, May 1, 2023
9:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Central
Center for Transportation Studies
AI Johnson Room
McNamara Alumni Center
Minneapolis, MN
COVID’s Effects on Public Transportation Use and Perceptions
How has the pandemic affected downtown commuters’ travel behavior and perceptions of public transportation?
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a major toll on public transit ridership—raising questions for the future. Will people associate public transportation with health and safety risks and avoid using it? Will they see public transportation as a less desirable transportation alternative?
Continue reading COVID’s Effects on Public Transportation Use and Perceptions
Crossroads 