Tag Archives: MnDOT

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

Maintenance Operations

Materials and Construction

Multimodal

Policy and Planning

Traffic and Safety

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.

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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.

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New Project: Quantify the Benefits of Using Geotextiles and Geogrids to Improve the Performance of Unbound Pavement Layers

MnDOT uses geosynthetic materials to stabilize or reinforce road pavements. Various types of geosynthetics help maintain separation between pavement layers, improve drainage and prevent erosion.

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In rural Minnesota, the GoMARTI self-driving shuttle demo is paving the way for autonomous transit

Originally published August 6, 2024 in Catalyst

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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. 

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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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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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