Partnerships
MnROAD can help you with your research project
MnROAD, owned and operated by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, is funded through a combination of industry, local, state, federal and international sources. Additionally, many other states participate in pooled studies. Collaborating on research is critical to the ongoing success of MnROAD. It is necessary from a funding perspective, but also ensures that we are addressing the most important issues.There are many ways to become involved in MnROAD:
- Use MnROAD data in your research
- Participate in a planned or ongoing pavement research project
- Propose a new project for collaboration in non-pavement research
- Tour the facility and learn more about our research
If you would like more information about partnering with MnROAD, contact Ben Worel at 651-366-5522.
Pavement Research
NCAT
Recently, MnROAD embarked on a partnership with the nation's other largest pavement testing center, the National Center for Asphalt Technologies in Auburn, Alabama. The two agencies will coordinate experiments and combine resources to provide cost-effective solutions for pavement performance in both northern and southern climates.
NRRA: National Road Research Alliance
The Minnesota Department of Transportation started and administrates a federal pooled fund with agencies from 9 other states and nearly 50 associate members called the National Road Research Alliance. The MnROAD facility acts as a primary real-world laboratory for much of their research, helping infom best practices in the areas of asphalt, concrete, geotechnical, and preventive maintenance.
Non-Pavement Research
Minnesota Office of CAV
The Office of Connected and Automated Vehicles is a partner to coordinate industry contacts in testing CAVs on secure roads in winter weather conditions. Minnesota offers the use of MnROAD to the CAV industry for all-weather testing and to research pavement impacts and mitigations associated with use of CAV technology. For more information, visit the CAV website or contact Kristin White at 651-366-7051.
Minnesota DNR
The DNR conducts their own studies of environmental conditions around MnROAD for safe and easy access.