Turtles and other wildlife are at risk along Minnesota roadways.
MnDOT is collaborating with the Minnesota Zoo on a new research project installing small animal exclusion fencing. The fencing is intended to redirect turtles (and other small animals) to culverts and bridges where they can cross the road safely.
Continue reading Collaboration with Minnesota Zoo aims to conserve wildlifeResearchers ran a sophisticated low-temperature asphalt cracking performance test at multiple labs to study the test, its variability and repeatability, and its additional promise in studying reflective cracking susceptibility of overlays. Results put MnDOT closer to implementing test specifications for low-temperature cracking test for pavement mixes.
Continue reading Low-Temperature Cracking Test Produces Repeatable, Reliable ResultsResearchers have provided MnDOT with a comprehensive and practical evaluation of what the agency would need to do to develop wastewater reuse systems for its truck stations and rest areas. Two sites will install the research project’s recommended systems soon.
Continue reading Investigating Wastewater Reuse at Rest Areas and Truck StationsResearchers have developed a proof-of-concept curve speed warning system for use with mobile phones, a technology they hope car manufacturers might adopt for in-vehicle systems. The proof-of-concept system uses data from local road agencies on curve locations, speed limits and signage with geofencing to trigger cloud-based data alerts to road users driving faster than recommended speeds for curves.
Continue reading Smartphone App Alerts Drivers Exceeding Speed Limits on CurvesResearchers determined that natural soil amended with locally sourced materials performed well in bioslopes and bioswales. This practice will allow MnDOT to avoid hauling in costly commercial materials for stormwater management installations.
Continue reading Using Regional Materials to Manage Stormwater RunoffResearchers documented performance of an iron-enhanced ditch check filter to remove phosphorus from stormwater over three years. The filter was effective, but its performance decreased over time, and it will require relatively frequent maintenance. Several design changes may be considered.
Continue reading Evaluating Iron-Enhanced Swale Ditch Checks for Phosphorus RemovalThe Minnesota Local Road Research Board recently funded a project to survey and analyze the use of Geographic Information System (GIS)-based asset management tools for city and county public works departments.
Continue reading New Project: GIS Tools and Apps – Integration with Asset ManagementMnDOT has funded a study to evaluate the use of non-lethal ultrasonic acoustic devices to temporarily deter bats from bridges before and during construction projects.
Continue reading New Project: Use of Innovative Technology to temporarily Deter Bat-Bridge Use Prior to and During ConstructionManaging a fleet of trucks, heavy equipment, and other vehicles challenges road agencies large and small. While large agencies like MnDOT use software and specialized administrators to manage fleet management systems electronically, city and county agencies often do not. For some small agencies, fleet management may fall to a shop mechanic or two.
Continue reading Guidebook helps cities and counties choose tools for managing fleetsResearchers evaluated the use of existing inductive loop installations in Minnesota for vehicle classification. Results showed that inductive loops may be effective at identifying and classifying individual vehicles as they pass, but the system will require further refining for Minnesota use.
Continue reading Leveraging Existing Inductive Loops to Classify Highway Vehicles
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