Finding resources that address manhole and catch basin issues occurring in Minnesota can be challenging. In a recent project, researchers surveyed 83 municipalities and interviewed other engineers and product representatives to gather data about manhole and catch basin installation and maintenance practices. The resulting report provides current information for municipal engineers about these essential installations.
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RTMC’s Road Weather Alerts Finalist for Minnesota Tech Award
The Regional Transportation Management Center’s highway weather alert project is a finalist for the Minnesota Technology Association 2021 Tekne Awards in the Digital Transformation category.
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Ultrasonic Devices Deter Bats During Bridge Repair
Researchers tested ultrasonic bat deterrence devices at two MnDOT bridges, tracking bat activity with acoustic echolocation recorders and field inspections. Deterrence devices used in short- and long-term trials dramatically reduced bat activity at bridge site. Analysis showed that bats return promptly when devices are turned off.
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New Project: Advancing Equity in Accessibility and Travel Experiences: The Role of Gender and Identity
In the early 1990s, Minnesota became the first state in the nation to prohibit discrimination based on a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity. Yet the state continues to use male-female categories when investigating the role of gender in transportation issues such as travel behavior and transportation accessibility. Since a person’s identity can have a significant influence on their own and others’ behavior and experiences, excluding gender diversity in this type of transportation research could result in an incomplete understanding of the issues and perceptions about quality of life.
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New Project: Evaluation of Corrugated HDPE Pipes Manufactured with Recycled Content
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.
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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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Crossroads 