MnDOT designs stormwater management infrastructure based on historical rainfall data and traditional design assumptions, including rainfall intensity and distribution, rainfall event duration and existing moisture conditions. Stormwater management infrastructure designed using traditional design parameters determines the risk of flooding, property damage and human safety in communities.
Continue reading New Project: Investigating Real Storms and the Impact of Potential Climate Change Adaptations
Tribal Pedestrian Safety
A new video developed by the Center for Transportation Studies highlights a multiyear study of pedestrian safety at reservations that was undertaken by U of M researchers and partners from seven Anishinaabe tribes. The work was sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).
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New Project: Roadside Feature Placement and Pedestrian Safety on Low and Intermediate Speed Roads
Guidelines for designing and placing roadside features have traditionally focused on automobile safety on higher-speed roads. Research has also shown feature placement can have safety benefits for pedestrians and bicyclists on lower-speed roads.
Continue reading New Project: Roadside Feature Placement and Pedestrian Safety on Low and Intermediate Speed Roads
Using Mobile Device Data to Estimate Bicyclist and Pedestrian Traffic
MnDOT relies on estimates of annual average daily traffic volumes to plan and maintain safe, effective transportation network infrastructure for all travelers. Estimating traffic volumes for nonmotorized road users such as bicyclists and pedestrians has been challenging because monitors are limited compared to vehicle traffic counters. Data from mobile devices, routinely collected through a variety of platforms, offers a potential source of traveler routes. Using monitored nonmotorized traveler data to validate mobile datasets, researchers produced a data visualization tool to estimate bicyclist and pedestrian counts within the Twin Cities area.
Continue reading Using Mobile Device Data to Estimate Bicyclist and Pedestrian Traffic
Best Practices for Protecting Equipment from Chemical Deicer Corrosion
Reprinted from Clear Roads News, October 2, 2024
In 2015, Clear Roads project 13-04 published a Manual of Best Practices to compile the various products agencies use as well as guidance for preventing corrosion on highway maintenance equipment.
Continue reading Best Practices for Protecting Equipment from Chemical Deicer Corrosion
Lower speed limits signal a commitment to safety in St. Louis Park.
Reprinted from Catalyst, September 5, 2024
What’s the right speed limit for local roads? Legislation passed in 2019 makes it possible for Minnesota cities to set speed limits below 25 mph without special approval. As a result, it’s a question many local transportation officials have been considering.
Continue reading Lower speed limits signal a commitment to safety in St. Louis Park.
Urban trees are litterbugs. Sweeping up after them could reduce stormwater pollution.
Reprinted from Catalyst, September 11, 2024
A U of M study determined that the leaves, flowers, and seeds dropped by trees in urban areas are a big polluter of stormwater. The project researchers recommend street sweeping as one way to address this issue—and they provide guidance on how to effectively time and target sweeping efforts.
Continue reading Urban trees are litterbugs. Sweeping up after them could reduce stormwater pollution.
Safety of Commercial Vehicles Navigating at Roundabouts
The safety benefits of roundabouts over signalized intersections have been well-established for vehicular traffic, with previous studies showing decreases in fatal and serious injury crashes. But many stakeholders continue to perceive that heavy commercial vehicles are at risk and may overturn when navigating a roundabout. A MnDOT investigation comparing commercial vehicle crash data between roundabouts and intersections with traffic signals found fewer total crashes and serious crashes in roundabouts compared to other intersections, particularly after MnDOT modified roundabout design guidance to address commercial vehicle concerns.
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Identifying Risk Factors for Deer-Vehicle Collisions
Deer-vehicle collisions are a significant safety hazard on Minnesota roads. While MnDOT strives to employ safety measures on roads at high risk for these collisions, identifying these areas can be challenging. Numerous variables impact where deer are more likely to be present near roads, and many collisions go unreported. A new tool estimates the risk levels—based on road type, geographical features, deer population and other characteristics—for each road segment in the state. In addition, a new method of estimating reporting rates will help MnDOT understand the extent of deer-vehicle collisions in a specific area.
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Testing High Friction Aggregates using SCRIM Technology at MnROAD
High Friction Surface Treatments (HFST) are pavement treatments that involve applying a high-quality aggregate and binder to pavement surfaces to help maintain friction. The treatment has significantly reduced crashes and injuries in wet and dry road conditions in high crash areas. However, HFST can be a costly treatment. Researchers, funded by MnDOT and the Local Road Research Board, are evaluating if taconite, a readily available Minnesota byproduct, can be an effective alternative treatment in low volume areas.
Continue reading Testing High Friction Aggregates using SCRIM Technology at MnROAD
Crossroads 