News
New LRRB Video Showcases Stormwater Management Techniques
The LRRB released a new video that introduces seven management practices that local government agencies may use to meet state and federal stormwater regulations. Based on a Minnesota Local Road Research Board guide to stormwater best management practices, the video shows examples of various BMPs as local engineers explain how they have used them to keep stormwater pollutants out of Minnesota lakes and streams.
(Posted 5/24/2013)
White House Honors MnDOT Innovations in Rural Intersection Safety
The White House named MnDOT State Traffic Engineer Sue Groth one of its 12 transportation “Champions of Change” for her role in implementing life-saving technology to help prevent collisions at rural intersections. The rural intersection conflict warning systems, which use sensors and lights to give motorists real-time warnings about traffic conditions, were developed by MnDOT’s Office of Traffic, Safety and Technology. MnDOT Research Services currently has a project to develop a low-cost version of these systems using LEDs and solar panels. You can read about the first part of the study here.
(Posted 5/10//2013)
Asphalt Cracking Study Wins Research Award
On April 17, MnDOT staff were among several project team members on hand to accept the Center for Transportation Studies' 2013 Research Partnership Award. The participants were recognized for their contributions to a recent national pooled-fund study on low-temperature cracking in asphalt pavements. Staff from Research Services, the Maplewood materials laboratory and MnROAD testing facility played key roles in the project. CTS produced this short video on the award.
(Posted 4/19/2013)
New Video Series Highlights Technical Advisory Panels' Role in Research Projects
Technical Advisory Panels, or "TAPs," as they're affectionately called, play a critical role in transportation research in Minnesota. MnDOT Research Services released a new five-part educational video series on TAP member roles and responsibilities, featuring commentary from several TAP veterans and an intimate look at how research projects are administered by MnDOT. (Watch)
(Posted 4/17/2013)
IDEA Programs: High-Risk, High-Potential
Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) programs fund early-stage investment in promising but unproven innovations in highways, transportation safety and transit. These programs provide seed money for technologies that are high-risk with high-payoff potential. Proposals are due March 1 and Sept. 1 of each year. For more information, check out this flyer and visit the Transportation Research Board website.
(Posted 4/9/2013)
