Increasingly, roundabouts are the solution of choice for many intersections because they improve safety and traffic flow and reduce pollution due to less vehicle delays. Traditional roundabout design typically requires a larger footprint than a conventional four-way intersection.
Continue reading Guidelines for Implementing Mini-Roundabouts
Webinar: Enter the Minnesota Build a Better Mousetrap Competition
Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 10:00–10:30 am
Join the Minnesota Build a Better Mousetrap Competition for the chance to win prizes and share your ideas with others! Show off your creativity and help other agencies solve problems by submitting your local innovations! This webinar covers how to enter, how you and other local agencies can benefit, and gives you the chance to meet previous Minnesota winners. The webinar is free, but registration is required.
Continue reading Webinar: Enter the Minnesota Build a Better Mousetrap Competition
Clear Roads: Training Module Development for Evaluation of Storm Severity Index and Winter Severity Index Variables
Reprinted from Clear Roads News November 27, 2024
Clear Roads project 18-03, Evaluation of SSI and WSI Variables, produced a step-by-step guide and flowchart tool to help agencies identify or develop severity index methods to fit their needs and available data sources.
As estimating the impact of weather on roadway maintenance resources is becoming an increasingly important issue for agencies across the country, a recently completed Clear Roads project, 21-04, Training Module Development for Evaluation of Storm Severity Index and Winter Severity Index Variables, produced additional training modules geared toward three key audiences: division directors, snow and ice managers, and supervisors.
Incorporating audiovisual materials, discussion topics, and interactive exercises, the training modules will help practitioners design and develop indexes to suit their agency’s particular needs.
Download the final report and two-page brief: CR 21-04 – Training Module Development for Evaluation of Storm Severity Index and Winter Severity Index Variables, July 2024.
Resources
- Training modules (CR 21-04)
- Final Report (CR 21-04)
- Spreadsheet Tool (CR 18-03)
- Final Report (CR 18-03)
New Project: Rural Intersection Enhancement and Driver Behavior Study
The risk of severe crashes increases when minor roads intersect with higher-speed roads in rural areas. MnDOT and county traffic engineers strive to find creative solutions that will prompt drivers to make safe decisions when navigating through intersections.
Continue reading New Project: Rural Intersection Enhancement and Driver Behavior Study
New Project: Alternative Deicer Performance Characterization: Know Before the Snow
MnDOT uses alternative deicer brines containing potassium chloride, magnesium chloride and calcium chloride for winter road maintenance. The alternatives are more effective in melting roadway ice than sodium chloride alone when temperatures are below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Continue reading New Project: Alternative Deicer Performance Characterization: Know Before the Snow
New Project: Quantify the Benefits of Using Geotextiles and Geogrids to Improve the Performance of Unbound Pavement Layers
MnDOT uses geosynthetic materials to stabilize or reinforce road pavements. Various types of geosynthetics help maintain separation between pavement layers, improve drainage and prevent erosion.
Continue reading New Project: Quantify the Benefits of Using Geotextiles and Geogrids to Improve the Performance of Unbound Pavement Layers
Revised Stormwater Maintenance Guide Updates Common Practices and Offers Innovative Options
Practices for managing stormwater runoff have evolved over the years. Changes to regulations, land use and weather patterns impact how transportation agencies integrate stormwater control options into road and waterway networks. Local agencies have used a stormwater maintenance guide produced by the Local Road Research Board (LRRB) in 2009. Over a decade of new research and the development of new tools for stormwater control necessitated revisions to the guidance document. The updated Stormwater BMP Inspection and Maintenance Resource Guide provides recommendations for enhancing traditional stormwater practices and presents new, innovative strategies and guidance on stormwater best management practices (BMPs).
Continue reading Revised Stormwater Maintenance Guide Updates Common Practices and Offers Innovative Options
New Project: Assessing Effectiveness of Pond Sediment Removal for Phosphorus Management in Stormwater Ponds
MnDOT manages rainwater runoff to keep pollutants like phosphorus from Minnesota’s lakes and streams. Stormwater retention ponds, an established management strategy, allow phosphorus to settle to the pond’s bottom but do require periodic cleanout.
Continue reading New Project: Assessing Effectiveness of Pond Sediment Removal for Phosphorus Management in Stormwater Ponds
In rural Minnesota, the GoMARTI self-driving shuttle demo is paving the way for autonomous transit
Originally published August 6, 2024 in Catalyst
Upcoming Webinar: Friday, December 6, 2024, from 1:30–3:00 pm.
For more information and to register, go to: Unlocking Autonomous Transportation Potential—Key Insights.
New Project: Transitioning to EV Fleets: Best Practices and a Decision Tool
Minnesota agencies are evaluating how to meet the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) target of at least 50% by 2030. Numerous technical, social and coordination considerations are inherent in a transition to electric fleets.
Continue reading New Project: Transitioning to EV Fleets: Best Practices and a Decision Tool
Crossroads 