Research News
Implementation Funding Awards for FY19 Announced
Implementation projects for the next fiscal year have been selected by MnDOT's Transportation Research and Innovation Group (TRIG). Click here to see the list of selected projects. (Posted 4/6/2018)
MnDOT Now Accepting New Ideas for Research and Implementation
The solicitation for new MnDOT research and implementation project ideas has been combined for this year. For priority consideration of implementation projects, submit your idea by February 9 to be considered for the March 27 TRIG meeting. All research ideas must be submitted by May 11 to be considered for this year's university research RFP. (Posted 1/12/2018)
Fiscal Year 2017 Annual Reports Available Now for MnDOT, LRRB Research Programs
Research At-A-Glances serve as quick-reference guides to our MnDOT and Local Road Research Board research programs and list projects active in the last fiscal year. They include project highlights, an overview of the research process and information about our Transportation Research Synthesis program. (Posted 1/30/2018)
MnDOT Explores the Use of a Unified Permitting Process for Oversize/Overweight Loads
Researchers found that a one-stop permitting process can be developed to allow commercial haulers to plan a travel route and secure all required permits from a single source. MnDOT is working to develop a first-of-its-kind, unified permitting process to consolidate the requirements of every jurisdiction in the state. (Posted 10/18/2017)
Pothole Patching Study Yields Best Practices Guidance
Researchers identified four pothole repair methods suitable for Minnesota and tracked the performance of each at five sites in northern Minnesota. Then they developed decision trees for choosing the right repair method and made them available for use in a guide and as flash cards for quick reference in the field. (Posted 10/16/2017)
MnDOT Chooses EasyMile for Autonomous Shuttle Bus Project
Initially, it will be tested at MnROAD, MnDOT’s pavement test facility. Testing will include how the shuttle operates in snow and ice conditions, at low temperatures and on roads where salt is used. Testing is scheduled to start in November and go through February 2018. The shuttle will also be showcased during the week of the 2018 Super Bowl. (Posted 10/4/2017)
New Procedures Offer Guidance for Using Bonded Whitetopping on Asphalt Pavements
Researchers developed procedures for selecting asphalt pavements for thin whitetopping based on site examination and lab testing. Test results do not offer definitive indications of how overlaid asphalts will perform, but procedures offer recommendations on pre-overlay pavement treatment, testing protocols and design considerations for bonded concrete overlay of asphalt. (Posted 10/2/2017)