Pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHBs) are one tool to help pedestrians safely cross roads. PHBs provide red-signal control for vehicular traffic when needed at lower installation costs and reduced traffic delays than full traffic signals.
Continue reading New Project: User Understanding of Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon OperationTag Archives: LRRB
New Project: Impact of Asphalt Lift Thickness on Pavement Density and Durability
Pavement durability depends on its density. Achieving adequate density depends on the size of the aggregate in the mixture and the asphalt lift thickness—the height of the asphalt layer that is applied by the paver and compacted.
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MnDOT and the Local Road Research Board Fund New Research Projects to Address Critical Transportation Issues
MnDOT and the Local Road Research Board have funded 27 new research projects out of 82 proposals submitted this year. Every MnDOT and LRRB project is guided by a Technical Advisory Panel, with each member serving an important role in the success of the project. MnDOT and LRRB are actively seeking volunteers to serve as Technical Advisory Panel members. TAP members will help with guiding research and reviewing final project deliverables.
To receive updates on any of the funded projects, select “subscribe” on the project webpage.
Bridges and Structures
Environmental
- Quantifying the Influence of Driver Behavior on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Air Quality
- Incorporation of Soil Health Engineered Measures on MnDOT Construction Projects and Resilient Stormwater Management
- Innovative Stormwater Solutions for Linear Projects
- Feasibility of LED Solar Street Lighting
- Development of Biochar Specification Criteria as Soil Amendment for Slopes, Conveyances and Stormwater Treatment Systems, Phase 2
Maintenance Operations
Materials and Construction
- Tools to Improve the Durability of Asphalt Pavements
- Feasibility of InSAR for Continuous Monitoring of Ground Deformation and Performance Tracking of Geotechnical Assets
- Evaluating and Implementing Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for Continuous and Rapid Monitoring of Moisture Fluctuations in In-service Roads
- Are Current Rigid Pavement Roundabout Designs Working in Minnesota?
- Holistic Design and Selection Criteria for Unbound Geomaterials Used in Pavement Systems
- Design Guidance and Best Practices for the Use of Light Fill
Multimodal
- Navigating Healthier Community Outcomes with Transportation Corridor Rankings
- Operational Characteristics of Conventional and Electric-Assisted Bicycles and Their Riders
Policy and Planning
- Leveraging Transportation Investments for Economic Development and Wealth Building
- Refining the Understanding of Parking Space Requirements and Its Impact on Vehicle Miles Travelled
- Speed Impacts on Complete Streets Elements, Phase 2
- Freeway Corridor Economic Impact
Traffic and Safety
- High Tension Cable Median Guardrail Expected Lifespan
- Use of Colors in Dynamic Message Signs for Both Travel Times and Static Sign Simulation
- Evaluation of Driver Speeds After Implementation of Speed Limit Reduction on Urban Streets
- Estimating Likely Mode Shift and Vehicle Miles Travelled Reduction Potential Using TBI Data and AI Algorithms
- Bike Infrastructure Planning Based on Mobile-Sourced Data and Anticipated Route Shifts
- Exploring Completeness and Accuracy of Driver Crash Reporting of Property Damage Only Crashes
- Leveraging C-V2X and Advanced Communications/Sensing for Rural Road Safety
- A Novel Red Light Running Warning System Using Connected v2i Technology, Phase 2: Driver Testing on Public Roads
New Project: Speed Impacts from Roundabouts and Other Traffic Control Devices
Roundabouts are effective at reducing driver speeds and lowering serious crash rates compared to other intersection types. Speeds vary in roundabouts, however, depending on geometric factors such as the number of lanes, entry and exit widths, and diameter. The use of supplementary control devices such as sign types, sign placement and pavement markings may also impact entry and exit speeds.
Continue reading New Project: Speed Impacts from Roundabouts and Other Traffic Control Devices
New Project: Effect of Centerlines on Prevailing Traffic Speeds of Low-Speed, Two-Lane, Two-Way Roads in Urban Contexts
Vehicle speed has a substantial influence on both the likelihood and severity of crashes involving nonmotorized road users. Reducing speeds on urban streets, in particular, enhances safety for the greatest number of vulnerable road users.
Continue reading New Project: Effect of Centerlines on Prevailing Traffic Speeds of Low-Speed, Two-Lane, Two-Way Roads in Urban Contexts
New Project: Analyzing Truck Size and Weight Impacts on Vehicle Miles Traveled
Trucks account for over one-third of transportation sector greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. MnDOT strives to identify guidance for the freight community to reduce its vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Allowing larger or heavier trucks could allow more freight to be moved per vehicle, thus reducing VMT.
Continue reading New Project: Analyzing Truck Size and Weight Impacts on Vehicle Miles Traveled
Creating a Leafy Boulevard: Best Practices for Tree Selection
Boulevards play an important role along a roadway. This open space located just behind the curb provides snow storage for roads and sidewalks, a place for rain and runoff to soak into the ground, and attractive green space in our city neighborhoods. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, trees planted in the boulevard along a roadway offer valuable environmental benefits. They save energy and lower temperatures, reduce greenhouse gases, and reduce stormwater runoff.
Continue reading Creating a Leafy Boulevard: Best Practices for Tree Selection
Guidelines for Implementing Mini-Roundabouts
Increasingly, roundabouts are the solution of choice for many intersections because they improve safety and traffic flow and reduce pollution due to less vehicle delays. Traditional roundabout design typically requires a larger footprint than a conventional four-way intersection.
Continue reading Guidelines for Implementing Mini-Roundabouts
Webinar: Enter the Minnesota Build a Better Mousetrap Competition
Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 10:00–10:30 am
Join the Minnesota Build a Better Mousetrap Competition for the chance to win prizes and share your ideas with others! Show off your creativity and help other agencies solve problems by submitting your local innovations! This webinar covers how to enter, how you and other local agencies can benefit, and gives you the chance to meet previous Minnesota winners. The webinar is free, but registration is required.
Continue reading Webinar: Enter the Minnesota Build a Better Mousetrap Competition
New Project: Rural Intersection Enhancement and Driver Behavior Study
The risk of severe crashes increases when minor roads intersect with higher-speed roads in rural areas. MnDOT and county traffic engineers strive to find creative solutions that will prompt drivers to make safe decisions when navigating through intersections.
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Crossroads 