Minnesota agencies are evaluating how to meet the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) target of at least 50% by 2030. Numerous technical, social and coordination considerations are inherent in a transition to electric fleets.
Continue reading New Project: Transitioning to EV Fleets: Best Practices and a Decision Tool
Improving Traffic Signal Visibility
Inconspicuous traffic signals are often cited as contributing to collisions at intersections. If that is true, making traffic signals more conspicuous should lead to fewer crashes. A study published at the TRB conference in 2005 suggested that yellow retroreflective backplates were most effective, reducing accidents by 15% at intersections, and the FHWA later adopted this as a Proven Safety Countermeasure.
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New Project: Investigating Real Storms and the Impact of Potential Climate Change Adaptations
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.
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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.
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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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Crossroads 