Historically, federal regulations have required that MnDOT use pipes made with all-new materials in various applications, such as redirecting stormwater under roadways. However, recent changes to these regulations have made it possible for the agency to also consider pipes made with recycled materials, which could provide MnDOT with more options when choosing products for future projects.
Continue reading New Project: Evaluation of Corrugated HDPE Pipes Manufactured with Recycled Content
New Project: Maximizing Transportation Assets by Building Community Connection Through Innovative Development of Rights of Way and Airspace
Transportation agencies throughout the United States are focused on repairing the damage that highway construction has caused in communities.
MnDOT seeks partnerships with communities, businesses, and government entities to better utilize state highway lands and airspace.
These partnerships aim to enhance economic wellbeing and quality of life. Projects like highway caps and development of spaces underneath highways can increase equity, reduce disparities, and limit environmental impacts.
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New Project: Enhancing Managed Lane Equity Analysis
Managed lanes, like Minnesota’s E-ZPass express lanes, are designed to improve mobility and travel time reliability for transit users, carpoolers and other motorists during peak travel hours. The lanes provide many societal benefits such as increased transit ridership, higher vehicle occupancies, more reliable travel options, and reduced traffic congestion and pollution.
However, because the lanes use pricing to deliver these benefits, they must be designed, constructed and operated equitably. The key is striking a balance that’s fair for everyone.
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New Clear Roads Research: Recruiting and Retaining Highway Maintenance Workers
Finding and keeping skilled, dedicated highway maintenance workers has become increasingly challenging for state and local transportation agencies.
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New Project: Improving Transportation Equity for All by Centering the Needs of Marginalized and Underserved Communities
Government policies often prioritize the needs of the dominant group or culture, resulting in systems and services that benefit some people more than others. To better address the transportation needs of underserved communities, transportation agencies must first understand people’s lived transportation experiences. Listening is a critical first step toward mitigating the effects of marginalization and discrimination in transportation.
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New Project: Assessing the Effects of Highway Improvements on Adjacent Businesses
Highway improvement projects in metropolitan areas can offer a variety of benefits, including greater safety for travelers and increased activity for businesses near the roadway. However, improved roads may also negatively impact long-standing businesses as new retailers and chain stores displace them.
A greater understanding of the effects of highway improvements on businesses in the Twin Cities’ commercial corridors will help MnDOT deliver projects more successfully.
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‘Expanding the Transportation Workforce’ project creates tools for local agencies
Local transportation agencies in Minnesota are facing a growing workforce shortage. In a recent project, Minnesota LTAP led the creation of tools to help expand the transportation workforce and fill open positions—today and tomorrow.
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New Project: Evaluation of Proprietary Rejuvenators
A wide range of proprietary spray-on asphalt rejuvenators are available on the market. A National Road Research Alliance field study has been initiated to monitor the performance of some vendors’ materials on test sections over the next five to 10 years. Local agencies are interested in learning more about the many products on the market.
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U Students Offer Ideas For Transit Changes in Carver County
This article was originally published in Catalyst, August 2021.
The transit needs of Carver County, Minnesota, are undergoing a shift driven by changes in population size and demographics. Student researchers from the U of M teamed up with county planners to identify and address these changing needs.
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Transition to Distance-Based Fees: Where do we go from here?
This article was originally published in Catalyst, August 2021.
As vehicles switch from gas-fueled to electric and revenues from the gas tax begin to decline, experts in the transportation industry are looking for alternative ways to fund roadways. Distance-based user fees (DBUFs) have been gaining political traction as a possibility.
Continue reading Transition to Distance-Based Fees: Where do we go from here?
Crossroads 