Automated Vehicle Technology

Paving the way for smarter and safer AVs

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This article was originally posted on Catalyst, January 2023.

There’s been a lot of progress toward self-driving cars in recent years, but we still have a long way to go before the system runs like a well-oiled machine. Even with all the advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning, automated vehicles (AVs) are still not well-equipped to handle crashes, bad weather, poor visibility, and other unexpected situations on the road.

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Multi-modal, Policy and Planning

Could an alternative to monthly parking contracts promote more sustainable mobility?

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This article was originally posted on Catalyst, January 2023.

Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in both the US and the Twin Cities, and commuting trips are a major contributor to these emissions. To meet its emission-reduction mandates, Minnesota needs strategies to reduce auto trips—especially driver-only trips without passengers.

A recent U of M project aimed to leverage existing transportation infrastructure and systems to provide more flexible, multimodal transportation options for parking contract holders at Minneapolis’ ABC Ramps—thereby reducing the number of solo trips.

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Traffic and Safety

Investigating Max-Pressure Traffic Signal Timing

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Inadequately timed traffic signals at intersections are a major contributor to traffic congestion and increased travel times. Adaptive signal timing can detect and respond to real-time vehicle queues, resulting in more efficient vehicle movement through a corridor than traditional traffic signals. A revised max-pressure traffic signal controller could decrease delays and increase vehicle throughput at intersections.

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Environment

New Project: Update of Stormwater Management Best Practices Manual

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The Local Road Research Board published the Stormwater Best Management Practice (BMP) Maintenance Resource Guide in 2009, and best practices for stormwater management have since evolved. Much has been learned about the benefits and limitations and inspection and maintenance activities of stormwater ponds, bioretention facilities, underground treatment devices, underground detention, and infiltration. Regulatory requirements have also changed as indicated in the Minnesota Stormwater Manual.

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Traffic and Safety

New Project: Red Light Running Warning System

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Red-light violations at traffic signals are a major contributor to crashes and fatalities. Right-angle type crashes typically account for the most serious of these collisions, and most of them are caused by vehicles running red lights. This research will explore technology that could be used to warn drivers when they are about to run a red light.

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Research

Scholars reflect on critical transportation topics in new Future of Mobility series

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What’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.

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Environment, Research

New Project: Sustainable Application of Tire Derived Aggregate in Stormwater Infiltration/Treatment

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The 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.  

TO RECEIVE EMAIL UPDATES ABOUT THIS PROJECT, VISIT THE LOCAL ROAD RESEARCH BOARD.

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.”

Objectives

  • Select blend materials identified in literature review and mix them in different ratios with TDA.
  • Measure the pollutant removal performance from runoff, leaching of zinc and copper from TDA, and infiltration capacity of each mix.
  • Analyze the observed values to choose the suitable blend material/ratio.
  • Perform lab batch tests to evaluate the potential leaching or removal of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) by TDA and the blends.
  • Determine impact of biofilms on the leaching of zinc and copper from the mix (Biofilms will be grown on an already defined mix of TDA with blend material).
  • Conduct outreach on project results and implications to management to key stakeholder groups.

Project Details

  • Estimated Start Date: 06/03/2022
  • Estimated Completion Date: 06/30/2025
  • Funding: Local Road Research Board
  • Principal Investigator: John Gulliver
  • Co-Principal Investigator: Meijun Cai
  • Technical Liaison:  Mark Hansen

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 website to subscribe.

Environment

Improving Pollinator Habitat Through Cost-Effective Roadside Revegetation

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Pollinating insect populations are declining worldwide. Revegetating roadsides after construction offers an opportunity to create pollinator-friendly habitat. Local agencies and MnDOT have new tools and strategies to cost-effectively derive multiple benefits from roadside revegetation efforts. 

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Bridges and Structures

Updating Load Ratings for Shingle Creek Slab-Span Bridges

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Detours around bridges in a critical freight transportation route create costs to the trucking industry, taxpayers and state economy. New load rating factors for the slab-span bridges across Shingle Creek will give MnDOT more flexibility in managing truck traffic and keeping freight moving efficiently.

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Bridges and Structures

Estimating Corrosion of Embedded Steel Rebars in Bridge Structures

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Corrosion of steel reinforcement in bridge structures creates uncertainty in the structural capacity. A new prediction tool will help estimate rebar section loss to accurately plan for appropriate bridge maintenance repairs. 

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