New Project: Using Apps to Notify the Public of Local Road and Bridge Closures

The traveling public increasingly relies on navigation systems to get to their destinations. Currently, there is not a system, tool, or process being used by cities and counties in Minnesota to report road or bridge closures for use by transportation agencies to display to the traveling public or for use by third-party mapping/navigation companies (e.g., Waze, TomTom, HERE Technologies, Google Maps) to provide to the public.

This project will document up to three best practices for manual local road closure reporting, describe an approach that the Local Road Research Board could use to develop or implement an existing user-friendly road closure reporting system, and provide guidance on how to report closures to third-party mapping/navigation companies.

Objectives

MnDOT already operates and maintains a statewide traveler information reporting system known as CARS. This project will review and summarize the options and approach for adapting it for local road entry. As part of the study, researchers will:

  • Develop best practices for reporting systems by documenting four examples used in other states for establishing and operating tools to report local road closures.
  • Define three options for how to make a user-friendly system for local Minnesota agencies using the outcomes of the best practices summary.
  • Prepare users guide for entering information into existing mapping tools that will assist in understanding the process to submit road closures and mapping updates to established mapping/navigation providers.

Project Details

  • Estimated Start Date: 12/19/2022
  • Estimated Completion Date: 03/31/2024
  • Funding: Local Road Research Board
  • Principal Investigator: Dean Deeter
  • Technical Liaison:  Perry Clark

Details of the research study work plan and timeline are subject to change.

To receive email updates about this project, visit the Local Road Research Board to subscribe.

Exploring a State-Tribal Partnership to Advance Energy Goals

MnDOT has a unique opportunity to make progress toward its renewable energy goals and enhance the government-to-government relationship with the Red Lake Nation. Initial analyses of an innovative energy partnership indicate potential mutual and multiple benefits for MnDOT and the tribe.

Continue reading Exploring a State-Tribal Partnership to Advance Energy Goals

New Clear Roads Research: Evaluating high-performance plow blades

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.

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New Project: Evaluation of Gravel Stabilizer Used on Gravel Roads and Shoulders

Approximately 50% of roads in Minnesota are gravel. The performance and long-term sustainability of such roads depend on the quality of the surface layer. Unbound large particles can form an unstable road surface that becomes rough, developing potholes and corrugations as this material is scattered by vehicles or washed away by rain. As a result, more frequent maintenance and reconstruction is required, which becomes very expensive for Minnesota counties.

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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.

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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

Short Films, Big Visions: Transportation-themed films spark conversation about community connections

April 4, 2023

Dozens of community members and transportation advocates tuned in to “Short Films, Big Visions: A Series on Transportation and Community” on February 23. Co-hosted by CTS and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, the virtual event featured a screening of short films produced by the Redford Center for its “Community Power” series followed by an engaging panel discussion.

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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.

Continue reading Helping automated vehicles ‘see’ through fog and snow

Minnesota's transportation research blog