Technological advancements in computational models and aerial imagery can expand the assessment techniques used to evaluate slope areas along Minnesota highways. A MnDOT research project is using remote sensing technologies and 3D models to identify critical slope areas and assess its vulnerability. “This research will produce valuable new tools to closely monitor and assess vulnerable slopes along our highways,” said Raul Velasquez, geomechanics research engineer, MnDOT Office of Materials and Road Research. “The proposed framework will support MnDOT in making proactive informed decisions about slope rehabilitation or stabilization activities to avoid costly slope failures.” This project is led by Surya S C Congress and Bora Cetin with Michigan State University and Raul Velasquez with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. https://lnkd.in/grJk9ip3
MnDOT Research & Innovation
Research Services
St. Paul, Minnesota 1,709 followers
Informing, improving, and innovating transportation in Minnesota.
About us
MnDOT's Office of Research & Innovation helps solve transportation problems by administering research projects for MnDOT and the Local Road Research Board. At any given time, we actively manage approximately 190 research projects in progress, ranging from local initiatives to pooled-fund projects with other states, comprising both basic and applied research. We are also home to one of the nation's most elite transportation libraries.
- Website
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http://www.dot.state.mn.us/research/
External link for MnDOT Research & Innovation
- Industry
- Research Services
- Company size
- 11-50 employees
- Headquarters
- St. Paul, Minnesota
- Specialties
- research, transportation, and innovation
Updates
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How can transportation agencies alleviate stress on communities as a result from planning and construction projects? MnDOT conducted a case study analysis to find ways local communities can be included in the transportation planning process. Here’s what they found: 📄 Provide regular transparent information to communities throughout the process 🧠 Shift art from an aesthetic mindset to an opportunity of creativity and cooperation 🎨 Actively seek artists and culture bearers as creative contributors This project was led by Julie Cidell with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Brenda Kayzar, PhD with Urbane DrK Consulting and Jessica Oh with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. https://lnkd.in/dej6sH_R
Social Outcomes Improve by Incorporating Arts and Culture into Transportation Planning
http://mntransportationresearch.org
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Autonomous vehicles often rely on road features such as centerlines and intersection signs to guide camera-enabled functions. However, many rural roadways don’t have the appropriate signage and markings for autonomous vehicles to operate. A new LRRB funded project is evaluating MnCORS-GPS, a network that uses GPS data to mark locations, potential to support autonomous vehicles in rural areas. “Understanding the capabilities and limitations of these localization tools will help us determine their viability for compensating areas where infrastructure may be limited,” said Vic Lund, traffic engineer, St. Louis County Public Works. “The research will support our efforts to facilitate AV technologies equitably across Minnesota.” This project is led by Raj Rajamani and Brian Davis with the University of Minnesota, Victor Lund with St. Louis County Public Works and Matt Wegwerth, PE with City of Grand Rapids. https://lnkd.in/gij5w8Q7
New Project: Use of MNCORS to Support AV Operations in Rural Minnesota
http://mntransportationresearch.org
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Embedded loop detectors at signalized intersections can be invasive and costly to install. A recently completed research study, funded by MnDOT and LRRB, tested nonintrusive technologies (NITs) with high-definition camera and radar systems and discovered the following results: 💵 NIT installation could cost approximately 1.5 times less than traditional loop detectors ⛅ Weather conditions can limit NIT performance by reducing camera visibility with snow, ice, and dirt 🚦 NIT performance can be improved through a variety of practices such as installing heat shields and repositioning camera angles This project was led by Yao-Yi Chiang with the University of Minnesota and Mike Fairbanks with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. https://lnkd.in/gCYBvkD3
Using Alternative Technologies to Detect Vehicles at Signalized Intersections
http://mntransportationresearch.org
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Congratulations to our MnDOT Library Director, Sheila Hatchell, for receiving the 2024 Professional Achievement Award from the Special Libraries Association (SLA) Transportation Community. "I must also recognize our wonderful MnDOT Library staff – Jim Byerly, Qin Tang, Karen Neinstadt, Madeline Kuncio, and our special projects librarian Marilee Tuite, because none of this would have been possible without the amazing work each of them brings to the library every day," stated Sheila. Sheila has achieved many accomplishments while working in MnDOT library since 2007. She has completed an award-winning renovation of the library space in 2010-2011, the Return of Investment study of MnDOT Library in 2013 and the MnDOT Library Strategic Plan in 2017. She has also served as president of the SLA Transportation division in 2012 and co-authored Proving Your Library’s Value: A Toolkit for Transportation Libraries.
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Learn all about implementing mini-roundabouts at this Aug. 6 webinar!
Get up to speed on mini-roundabouts at the North-Central Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (NCITE) webinar, LRRB Mini-Roundabouts on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 10-11 a.m. The recent LRRB project, Mini-Roundabout FAQs, offers guidance on mini and compact roundabouts and provides selection criteria on when to use them as well as details regarding the center treatment. Project team members Mike Marti and Zach Heimer, PE with SRF Consulting Group and Jon Pratt with the city of Detroit Lakes will discuss the project findings. Sponsored by Apex Engineering Group, Inc.
NCITE Webinar: LRRB Mini-Roundabout Guidance
http://mntransportationresearch.org
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Grade-separated pedestrian infrastructure and at-grade treatments enhances traffic safety and improves pedestrian mobility. However, several factors such as traffic volume and road conditions affect the benefits of such pedestrian crossings. By conducting a cost and benefit analysis, local agencies can evaluate which locations are best to add grade-separated crossings. “The research will include multiple simulations to compare the efficacy of different pedestrian crossing infrastructure,” said Jesse Thornsen, active transportation systems designer, MnDOT Transit. “We’ll be able to determine the safety benefits and associated costs of crossing options to inform our decision-making.” This project is led by Michael Levin with the University of Minnesota and Jesse Thornsen, AICP with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. https://lnkd.in/gY3bxqUV
New Project: Comparative Analysis of Grade-Separated Pedestrian Infrastructure and At-grade Treatments
http://mntransportationresearch.org
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Chip seal enhances the life performance of road surfaces. A LRRB research project is testing different pavement sections of chip sealed surfaces to understand the long-term performance of chip seals and identify the ideal circumstances for its application. “This research will provide needed information regarding the ideal conditions for chip seal application to result in the best performance,” said Joel Ulring, pavement preservation engineer, MnDOT Office of Materials & Road Research. “Knowing the best time for chip seal treatment application supports our goals for better quality and longer-lasting pavement.” This project is led by Raquel Moraes and Adriana Vargas-Nordcbeck with Auburn University and Ulring Joel with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. https://lnkd.in/gzBMyKdC
New Project: Long-Term Field Performance Evaluation of Chip Seals
http://mntransportationresearch.org
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MnDOT is launching a new research project to detect bat species in culverts and bridges. The project will sample and collect bat guano on test sites to help develop protocols for identifying bat presence before maintenance starts. “This research will help streamline Endangered Species Act project reviews and avoid costly avoidance requirements such as seasonal work restrictions,” said Christopher Smith, protected species program coordinator, MnDOT Office of Environmental Stewardship. This project is led by Ron Moen, Raphael Stern, and Jessica Sieber with the University of Minnesota and Christopher Smith with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. https://lnkd.in/gBTHxeyR
New Project: Species from Feces: A New Tool to Identify Bats in Culverts and on Bridges
http://mntransportationresearch.org
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MnDOT traffic engineers are increasingly installing J-turns at high-speed multilane roads in an effort to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes at intersections. A study compared J-turn intersections to traditional intersections and discovered that J-turns had fewer rear, angle, and intersection-related crashes. “Given the number of J-turns in Minnesota, these results revealing significant benefits are what we want to see. Also, we hope other states can benefit from these findings,” said Maxwell Moreland, traffic safety crash data engineer, MnDOT Office of Traffic Engineering. This project was led by Maxwell Moreland, Derek Leuer, PE, and Ian Saari with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. https://lnkd.in/g3vs-tQq
Evaluating the Traffic Safety Benefits of J-Turns in Minnesota
http://mntransportationresearch.org