Preventing right turns on red at traffic signals is a generally effective pedestrian safety measure. But when pedestrians are absent, allowing right turns on red can improve traffic flow. Unlike static signs that prohibit right turns on red, dynamic No Right Turn on Red (NRTOR) signs can be activated when pedestrians are present. Comparing driver compliance with dynamic and static signs indicated that each sign type may have its own benefits.
Continue reading Comparing the Effectiveness of No Right Turn on Red Sign Types at Traffic SignalsCategory Archives: research
General research posts.
Examining off-peak transit behaviors to improve transit equity
Originally published in Catalyst, February 19, 2025
Transit service planning has traditionally focused on peak trips and the needs of “rush hour” commuters rather than off-peak travel. Often, off-peak trips are taken by shift-based essential workers and those who cannot or do not drive. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the need for a closer examination of these trips to improve social equity.
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Understanding the Performance of Road Base Stabilization Additives
Full-depth reclamation (FDR)—an effective and efficient pavement reconstruction method—can be made even more sustainable by strengthening the road base. Laboratory and field testing of proprietary stabilizers used to amend FDR material illustrated improvements in pavement stiffness and economic benefits over time. New pavement design standards for base stabilizers can guide road engineers in choosing the optimal products for sustainable roads.
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New Clear Roads Research: Dashboards for Improving Winter Operations
From Clear Roads, March 5, 2025
Transportation agencies collect vast amounts of data about their winter operations. Dashboards can help to summarize the information, measure performance, inform decision-making during winter weather events and improve planning for future storms.
This Clear Roads project examined the use of dashboards among transportation agencies to assess current strategies and identify innovative and effective practices. The results offer guidance to transportation agencies that are considering implementing or expanding their dashboard use to enhance winter maintenance operations.
Download the final report and two-page brief: CR 22-05 – Use of Dashboards for Winter Operations, December 2024.
New Project: Roundabouts, J-Turns, etc. – Understanding Their Economic Impacts
Roundabouts and J-turns have consistently shown significant improvements in safety and traffic flow in Minnesota and across the U.S. Still, some community residents and businesses oppose replacing traditional intersections with alternative intersections like roundabouts or J-turns.
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New Smartphone App Uses GPS Technology to Warn Drivers of Lane Departures
Preventing vehicles from drifting out of traffic lanes is a top safety priority for transportation officials. An ongoing research project has produced a smartphone app that alerts drivers when their vehicles drift from a lane. The current phase of the project improved upon earlier versions of the app by adding GPS and significantly increasing the effectiveness of lane departure detection.
In rural Minnesota, transit planning apps could boost ridership
Reprinted from CTS News, February 11, 2025
Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) transit planning apps provide a simple, convenient way for transit users to plan trips, make payments, and book on-demand rides—enhancing the user experience and encouraging more transit use. While prevalent in urban areas, these apps are uncommon in rural settings.
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New Project: Best Practice for Oversized/Overweight Vehicles
As hauling practices change for waste collection, mining and other industries, local transportation agencies are receiving more permit requests for oversize or overweight trucks. These larger vehicles can have significantly greater impacts on pavements than passenger vehicles.
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New Project: Amount of Bituminous Surface Lost Each Year
Approximately 62,000 miles of Minnesota’s roads are bituminous, or asphalt, surfaces. Bituminous roads are cost-effective and offer improved ride quality and safety.
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New Project: User Understanding of Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Operation
Pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHBs) are one tool to help pedestrians safely cross roads. PHBs provide red-signal control for vehicular traffic when needed at lower installation costs and reduced traffic delays than full traffic signals.
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Crossroads 