Webinar materials and a new FAQ about the Mobility, Access, and Transportation Insecurity (MATI) Program RFP process are now available on the MATI website.
Continue reading MATI Program RFP Webinar Materials, FAQ Now AvailableTag Archives: research
General research posts.
New Project: Evaluation of Static and Dynamic No Right Turn on Red Signs at Traffic Signals
Making signalized intersections safer for pedestrians can be achieved by reducing points of conflict between pedestrians and vehicles. One source of conflict occurs when a vehicle makes a right turn on red (RTOR) onto a street in which pedestrians are crossing. During this turn, the driver must cross the path of pedestrians while at the same time searching for gaps in conflicting vehicle flow.
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A Mobile App to Report Driver Intrusions Into Work Zones
Transportation workers face critical safety risks when drivers fail to comply with traffic control instructions in work zones. These intrusions threaten not only the flaggers who are directing traffic, but all workers on the job site and the drivers themselves. Knowing the nature and frequency of intrusions is necessary to develop effective prevention strategies. A new mobile phone app enables workers to quickly and easily report incidents, allowing MnDOT to analyze risks and improve worker safety.
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New Project: Develop Element Level Bridge Performance Measures and Targets
Currently, federal bridge performance measures in the United States and measures most commonly used by state transportation agencies for bridge management are based on National Bridge Inventory (NBI) General Condition Ratings that reflect bridge component conditions (deck, superstructure and substructure).
MnDOT also collects bridge element data that provides a more granular, objective and quantitative assessment of condition, and would like to have performance measures and targets based on the bridge element data that guides a data-driven methodology to select cost-effective treatments.
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New Project: Development of Erosion Control Product Longevity Test Methodology
MnDOT has approved products for blanket and hydromulches. There are many versions of each type of temporary erosion prevention materials, that vary in thickness, composition, and cost.
The two most common stabilization methods to control erosion and establish vegetation used by MnDOT are Hydraulic Erosion Control Products (HECP) and Rolled Erosion Prevention Products (REPP). Specifying the best fitting product for the situation keeps MnDOT in compliance with stormwater permits and is more cost effective.
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‘Transportation Insecurity’: A New Metric to Evaluate Programs and Guide Decision Making
Reprinted from CTS News, December 7, 2023
—Sophie Koch, contributing writer
Reliable transportation has a huge impact on quality of life. Many Americans, however, are unable to travel where and when they need to go, and policymakers lack tools to measure the extent of the problem.
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Measuring Pavement Density for Sustainable Centerline Joints
Longitudinal joints, created when lanes are paved sequentially, often need significant maintenance as the joints crack or deteriorate. While materials, construction methods and other factors may cause joint deterioration, insufficient pavement density is primarily responsible for weak joints, and measuring density has not traditionally been a widespread practice. New recommendations for joint construction and quick, nondestructive methods of measuring density during construction will support local agencies in laying longer-lasting pavement.
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Continuous Moisture Measurement During Pavement Foundation Construction
Accurate and timely moisture measurement of earthwork during compaction of foundation layers is crucial to proper construction and long-term durability of the pavement structures. Since the traditional methods for measuring moisture are point specific, expensive and/or time consuming. None of the existing methods have been able to deliver real-time, continuous moisture measurements that would aid engineers in delivering more durable pavement structures.
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Sensor and Drone Technologies Help Maintain Minnesota’s Aging Bridge Infrastructure
Reprinted from Catalyst, September 9, 2023
As bridge infrastructure in Minnesota and across the country ages, maintaining and preserving the existing bridge network becomes increasingly important—and increasingly challenging. In Minnesota alone, 25 percent of bridge-deck area is more than 50 years old, and the number of bridges rated in “fair” condition has recently overtaken the number rated in “good” condition.
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Refining the Lane Boundary Guidance System for Snowplow Operators
Snowplow operators work in difficult, often low-visibility conditions. A new system assists drivers in knowing their lane position and warns of approaching obstacles. After operators tested the system over two winters, researchers gathered feedback, revised the system and readied it for the next step in statewide deployment.
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Crossroads 