Rural horizontal curves webinar
By: Girma Feyissa, State Aid Traffic Safety Engineer
You're invited: September 23, 2026 webinar on rural horizontal curve safety strategies
MnDOT State Aid and the Office of Traffic Engineering are excited to continue the launch of a new webinar series focused on traffic safety countermeasures aimed at those supporting the design, operation and maintenance of roads.
This initiative was developed in direct response to feedback from participants in the 2024-2025 Local Roads Traffic Safety Workshops. Attendees expressed a strong interest in continued learning opportunities, especially on topics that address common roadway safety challenges. In response, MnDOT is introducing a more focused, flexible format that allows agencies across the globe to engage with timely safety content from wherever they are.
The third webinar in this planned series, rural horizontal curve safety countermeasures, will take place September 23, 2026, from 10 a.m. to Noon, and will be hosted virtually via Microsoft Teams.
Why rural horizontal curves?
Rural horizontal curves present some of the highest risk locations on our roadway system. While horizontal curves make-up less than 10 percent of rural mileage, nearly 40 percent of severe lane departure crashes occur at horizontal curves (based on County Road Safety Plan Phase 2-4 updates data). Improving safety at these locations is critical to advancing a Safe System Approach that works for all road users, regardless of where they travel, and so rural communities benefit from the same life saving strategies as urban areas. By proactively rethinking how rural horizontal curves are designed and operated, we have an opportunity to prevent tragedies before they occur rather than reacting after lives are lost. This webinar will highlight proven, cost effective countermeasures that transportation professionals can use to reduce crashes and save lives, helping move us toward a future where no fatal crash is considered inevitable. Additionally, this webinar will highlight several examples of locally-led horizontal curve safety improvement projects.
Who should attend?
This event is designed specifically for professionals who influence traffic safety decisions on any and all roads, including:
- Residents and pedestrians
- County and city engineers and planners
- DOT staff
- Traffic safety and public works personnel
- Transportation consultants
- Anyone working on local road infrastructure or safety initiatives
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just beginning to engage with traffic safety strategies, this webinar offers valuable insights and tools that can support your work.
What to expect
Participants will gain:
- A better understanding of rural horizontal curve trends and contributing factors
- Practical, cost-effective countermeasures that can be applied locally
- Real-world project examples from Minnesota implemented by local transportation agencies
- Contacts and resources to help plan and implement safety improvements
The webinar will also include a live Q&A session, giving attendees the chance to ask questions and share ideas with subject matter experts.
Ready to join?
Secure your spot and register today at https://bit.ly/MnDOT-RuralHorizontalCurves.
Past webinars and resources
If you are interested in past webinars and traffic safety resources, visit https://www.dot.state.mn.us/stateaid/local-ts-resources.html.
Questions?
If you have any questions, feel free to contact State Aid at mnlocaltrafficsafety.dot@state.mn.us.