Minnesota Transportation Research Collaboration Website

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  Duane Hill »

  Durable Pothole Patching Implementation

  Idea Submitted by:

  Duane Hill

  MnDOT Office or District :

  MnDOT District One

  Indications are that without additional transportation funding, MnDOT will likely be dealing with more miles of poor condition pavements. MnDOT ...more »

  Indications are that without additional transportation funding, MnDOT will likely be dealing with more miles of poor condition pavements.

  MnDOT maintenance operations performs pothole patching. During the winter season, it is very difficult to make durable pothole repairs. Often times, potholes need to be patched multiple times during a typical winter season. Additionally, in some remote portions of Minnesota, it is difficult to get a consistent supply of hot mixed bituminous pavement for summer patching operations. There is a need to develop and implement alternatives to hot mix patching in order to install a more durable pavement repair in some of these remote locations.

  There have been previous research studies that indicate a possilbe repair methodology would be to use a microwave system to heat the existing pavement and patching material in order to create a more durable patch. In fact, this year MnDOT has funded a comparative research study to evaluate the performance of this technique using various materials and other techniques to determine which is most cost effective. We recently learned that there is a new equipment that is being marketed to provide a microwave heat source and pavement recycling mill called Heatwurx. www.heatwurx.com

  This proposal would be to purchase one of these units that is desgned for patching transverse cracks and potholes and implement the patching method in MnDOT District One. The goal of the project would be to determine the feasiblity of the use of this equipment, productivity rates, methodology and durability of the patches. This infomation would be shared within MnDOT and local agencies.

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  Submitted by duane.hill 1 month ago

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  Curt Turgeon »

  Mn Guidance for Stabilized Full-depth Reclamation Pavement

  Idea Submitted by:

  Moderator (for Mark Watson)

  MnDOT Office or District :

  Office of Materials and Road Research

  Guidance in a manual or web site that provides comprehesive recommendations for SFDR pavement materials and methods

  2 comments

  Submitted by Moderator 1 month ago

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  Curt Turgeon »

  Evaluation of Additives for Full Depth Reclamation

  Idea Submitted by:

  Mark Watson

  MnDOT is currently in the process of implementing in-place recycling, thus far, MnDOT has constructed 10 in-place recycling projects in the past ...more »

  MnDOT is currently in the process of implementing in-place recycling, thus far, MnDOT has constructed 10 in-place recycling projects in the past two years, 3 in 2010, and 7 in 2011, using a variety of processes and stabilizing additives ranging from: Engineered Emulsion, CSS-1 Emulsion + cement, and foamed asphalt with cement. However, the pace of implementation has slowed with only 4 or fewer projects scheduled to be construction in 2011. This drop-off could in part be attributed to lack of funding and also to the need for better guidance on when to use which process/additive.

  The built sections provide an excellent opportunity to evaluate the in-place properties and responses of similar materials stabilized with different additives. The evaluation would consist of:

  • Reviewing the documented construction testing and mix design information

  • Non-destructive testing to evaluate in-situ properties using: GPR, FWD

  • Laboratory tests on extracted core samples to quantify: density, strength, flexibility, and durability by building upon previously completed research conducted by the University of Minnesota (Low Temperature Cracking, dynamic modulus, DCT, etc.).

  • Additional material samples could be prepared in the laboratory and evaluated by using flexural beam fatigue techniques.

  The findings would advance the pace of implementation of the current in-place recycling program by providing better guidance for stabilization process/additive selection resulting in potential cost savings and improved roadway conditions for MnDOT and its customers.

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  Submitted by mark.watson 14 days ago

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  Bill Gardner »

  Vertical Clearance Data Coordination

  Idea Submitted by:

  Ted Coulianos

  MnDOT Office or District :

  Freight & Commercial Vehicle Operations

  Propose a modest research study to determine the 'gap', both in time and data accuracy, from the time field staff make changes to, or adds, vertical ...more »

  Propose a modest research study to determine the 'gap', both in time and data accuracy, from the time field staff make changes to, or adds, vertical clearances on State Trunk Highways that may impede the movements of over-legal height loads. For example, there is no standard practice that requires notification directly to OFCVO Permit section or CO Bridge Office when the first beam is placed across a STH during new construction. It is left until much later, or when the bridge is open to traffic, before vertical data is defined and sent to CO; which is too late for permit routing use. That practice does not ensure that Permits places a temporary, and appropriate height restriction to keep high loads from being routed under structure. The study would document the flow of data from the time field staff makes calculation, through the district, and into CO databases; and look for ways to minimize or eliminate inefficient and delayed processes..

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  Submitted by ted.coulianos 1 month ago

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  Curt Turgeon »

  Development of LWD Target Deflection Values on Bases

  Idea Submitted by:

  Rebecca Embacher

  MnDOT Office or District :

  Office of Materials and Road Research

  Road authorities across Minnesota spend millions of dollars each year on the construction of pavement structures. Unfortunately, the quality ...more »

  Road authorities across Minnesota spend millions of dollars each year on the construction of pavement structures. Unfortunately, the quality control (QC) and verification testing (VT) used during pavement construction currently has little connection to the material properties used during mechanistic pavement design. In order to more efficiently design and construct pavements, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Local Road Research Board (LRRB) and State have invested significant resources to develop and advance the use of non-destructive testing devices aimed at assessing the in situ design-related pavement parameters. A current barrier to an effective use of in situ testing devices is the complexity of data interpretation. MnDOT currently has standards for use of the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP), but is still developing standards for use of the Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD). Additionally, MnDOT’s current construction program entails an increasing number of reclamation projects, where the bituminous pavement is reclaimed into the existing base material (Full-Depth and Stabilized Full Depth Reclamation (FDR/SFDR)). MnDOT’s current VT device, the DCP, is unable to be used on SFDR projects due to the addition of a stabilizing agent which significantly increases the material’s stiffness. Consequently, nuclear gauge testing is used for QC/VT on these projects. This device cannot be used by MnDOT and is contracted out.

  In order to address these issues, there is a need to collect a matrix of data (e.g., proctor, density, moisture, gradation, R-value, percent crushing, DCP, LWD, etc.) for use in determining whether a target deflection value can be implemented with the LWD on base applications. MnDOT does not currently collect the entire matrix needed for this analyses during VT and currently does not have the resources to do so; and therefore, would like to hire a consultant to complete this data collection.

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  Submitted by rebecca.embacher 14 days ago

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  Maureen Jensen »

  DCT Low Temperature Fracture Testing Pilot Project

  Idea Submitted by:

  Tim Clyne

  MnDOT Office or District :

  Office of Materials & Road Research

  MnDOT is nearing the end of a 10+ year effort to study low temperature cracking of asphalt roadways. This research will culminate in a thermal ...more »

  MnDOT is nearing the end of a 10+ year effort to study low temperature cracking of asphalt roadways. This research will culminate in a thermal cracking specification (test method and spec limits) on asphalt mixtures. This project would implement the new specification on a few asphalt paving projects in 2012 or 2013. It will involve testing a proposed mix design at the University of Minnesota or in MnDOT's Materials Lab and adjusting mix parameters if necessary to better resist thermal cracking. Close cooperation will be required between Research, Bituminous Office, and Contractor personnel early in the construction project.

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  Submitted by tim.clyne 19 days ago

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  Scott Bradley »

  Analysis Tools for Complete Streets and Performance-Based Design

  Idea Submitted by:

  Moderator (for Scott Bradley)

  MnDOT Office or District :

  MnDOT Office of Environmental Stewardship

  Develop training curriculum and course material to deliver the new tools... ...intensive and detailed course materials for experienced practitioners ...more »

  Develop training curriculum and course material to deliver the new tools...

  ...intensive and detailed course materials for experienced practitioners

  ...a CSS "boot camp"

  ...intended for a technical design audience

  Using the following research resources:

  ...Evaluate and see if there is anything MnDOT or State Aid need to implement from the six IHSDM modules from the HSM (Crash Prediction, Policy Review, Design Consistency, Traffic Analysis, Driver/Vehicle and Intersection Review)

  ...Highway Capacity Manual (2010 HCM) models and tools; guidance on use of defaults, etc.

  ...Implement multimodal level of service (LOS) analysis methods for planning and project development from NCHRP Report 616 and 2010 HCM

  ...develop a decision framework for comparing alternatives based upon NCHRP Synthesis 422

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  Submitted by Moderator 1 month ago

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  Curt Turgeon »

  Development of Permeability Values for MnDOT Drainable Bases

  Idea Submitted by:

  Rebecca Embacher

  MnDOT Office or District :

  Office of Materials and Road Research

  MnDOT allows the use of open graded aggregate base (OGAB) under concrete pavements following MnDOT 3136. There have been both positive and negative ...more »

  MnDOT allows the use of open graded aggregate base (OGAB) under concrete pavements following MnDOT 3136. There have been both positive and negative comments from field personnel regarding the material properties, the ability to produce this type of blend and placement of the OGAB material. In general, Contractors encountered the following: the gradation is often difficult to meet at the finer limits; there are instances, where the material has not provided a stable platform for use during concrete paving; the question as to whether a high permeability value is necessary (to quickly remove water from beneath the pavement) when the other drainage features, with lower permeability, will control the rate of drainage.

  To address these issues and concerns, MnDOT has created a drainable stable base (DSB) gradation that will be allowed as an option on future projects. The DSB gradation addresses the difficulty to produce this type of material, along with the need for increased stability by allowing more fines within the mixture and still maintaining adequate permeability. The ratio of D60/D10 was also increased to assist with stability issues.

  As a result of these changes, MnDOT needs to validate the DSB design and monetary deduction table which addresses cases where the gradations are outside the specified limits for both OGAB and DSB. Standard permeability equations were used to estimate permeability and provide starting values for the monetary deduction table. However, due to the possible magnitude of some deductions, MnDOT would like to obtain lab permeability values for the material being placed to determine the validity of the initial deduction table values. Samples will be collected from statewide projects, in order to start building a database of permeability values for varying DSB and OGAB gradations. Testing such as permeability, gradation, percent crushed, LAR, insoluble residue and spall will be completed.

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  Submitted by rebecca.embacher 14 days ago

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  Maureen Jensen »

  Strength Required to Open to Traffic

  Idea Submitted by:

  Bernard Izevbekhai

  MnDOT Office or District :

  Materials &Roads Research

  Current practice based on assumption that a concrete compressive strength of 3000 PSI is required for opening to traffic may be incurring avoidable ...more »

  Current practice based on assumption that a concrete compressive strength of 3000 PSI is required for opening to traffic may be incurring avoidable user costs in construction and rehabilitation projects.

  The state of the art in maturity testing facilitates a scientific determination of approximate (tensile and compressive) strengths without destructive testing ( Izevbekhai & Rohne 2009). Other research work performed by Crovetti (2011), (Cable and Grove 2007) indicate that stress levels at of the concrete can be compared to allowable stress at any time in the strength development process.

  In a research implementation project the following observations need to be made:

  • What kind of distress or durability issues will arise from opening to traffic at a lower compressive strength and by implication,

  • What is the compressive (or corresponding flexural ) strength that will optimize durability and lower user costs?

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  Submitted by bernard.izevbekhai 8 days ago

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  Paul Rowekamp »

  Implement use of Vacuum Grouting of PT Bridges

  Idea Submitted by:

  Paul Rowekamp

  MnDOT Office or District :

  Bridge Office

  Research by Andrea Schokker on post tensioned (PT) grout inspection that is nearing completion recommends additional testing, investigation, ...more »

  Research by Andrea Schokker on post tensioned (PT) grout inspection that is nearing completion recommends additional testing, investigation, and possible vacuum grouting for PT bridges built before 2003. This is a very definite need for the department, as the research project identified bridges in Minnesota that may need to be addressed.

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  Submitted by paul.rowekamp 7 days ago

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  Bev Farraher »

  Yellow Tag Process Improvement

  Idea Submitted by:

  Jed Mulder & Alan Rindels

  MnDOT Office or District :

  Monticello Truck Station - District 3

  In Optimal Workforce Planning and Shift Scheduling for Snow and Ice Removal UMN industrial engineering scientists explored how to improve on ...more »

  In Optimal Workforce Planning and Shift Scheduling for Snow and Ice Removal UMN industrial engineering scientists explored how to improve on the efficiency of St. Louis County snow plow operations. Some of the solutions where relatively simple.

  The states property is sometimes damaged after a crash. It is the truck stations responsibility to collect information on the property which is damaged, prepare costs estimates on the damaged infrastructure and the costs of repair. The current procedure makes it an arduous task for personal in the truck stations to complete. Because it is an arduous task, mistakes happen, forms are completed incorrectly, cost estimates may not be complete both because of time constraints and other reasons. In addition to creating the cost estimates and completing the forms, the damaged property needs to be repaired in a timely fashion, and so the maintenance staffs priorities allow for completion of paperwork to be postponed. This postponement results in greater inaccuracies, which potentially causes the state to lose money from infrastructure repair which is the responsibility of the vehicle which crashed.

  This project will use the principlesused in this project and explore the yellow Tage process.

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  Submitted by alan.rindels 9 days ago

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  Mike Schadauer »

  Automatic Counting Equipment for Non-Motorized Facilities

  Idea Submitted by:

  Fay Simer

  MnDOT Office or District :

  Office of Transit

  The Bicycle and Pedestrian Section proposes to purchase automatic counting equipment to monitor use of bicycling and pedestrian facilities. ...more »

  The Bicycle and Pedestrian Section proposes to purchase automatic counting equipment to monitor use of bicycling and pedestrian facilities. Information about use of non-motorized infrastructure such as bike lanes, trails and sidewalks is needed to facilitate planning and improve management of transportation systems. State and local transportation officials in Minnesota generally lack information about use of bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

  Purchasing automatic counting equipment will allow MnDOT to implement findings from Dr. Greg Lindsey’s currently funded study, “Methodologies for Counting Bicyclists and Pedestrians in Minnesota: An Integrated Approach to Measuring and Modeling Non-motorized Traffic.” This study aims to produce a consistent methodology for counting non-motorized facility use statewide. MnDOT could test and implement study findings and begin collecting datasets of non-motorized transportation facilities by purchasing automatic counting equipment.

  Nationally, FHWA is revising the Travel Monitoring Analysis System to include submittal of bicycle and pedestrian information. By collecting statewide data, Minnesota could benefit from early adoption of this nationwide effort and become a national resource for bicycle and pedestrian data collection.

  The Bicycle and Pedestrian Section (Transit) and the Traffic Forecasting and Analysis Section (TDA) are committed to championing this project. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Section will work with MnDOT districts to install counting devices in pilot locations. Using these funds, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Section would purchase a combination of at least three permanent counters (loop detectors) and three moveable counters (active or passive infrared) and determine appropriate locations for installation. The Traffic Forecasting and Analysis Section would oversee data collection from the counters, maintain count information, and submit information to TMAS.

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  Submitted by fay.simer 9 days ago

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  Curt Turgeon »

  Enhancements to the Intelligent Compaction Veda Software

  Idea Submitted by:

  Rebecca Embacher

  MnDOT Office or District :

  Office of Materials and Road Research

  Veda is a stand-alone software developed to assist Agencies with the processing, analysis and reporting of intelligent compaction (IC) data on ...more »

  Veda is a stand-alone software developed to assist Agencies with the processing, analysis and reporting of intelligent compaction (IC) data on both hot-mixed asphalt and embankment applications. MnDOT continues to gain experience and knowledge from the lessons learned during implementation of IC on our paving and grading projects. Consequently, with this increased knowledge, there is a need to continue to support the development of the Veda software such that it can continue to meet the needs of our evolving specifications.

  Veda was originally created under the FHWA research project “DTFH61-07-R-00032”, with enhancements funded by MnDOT and the FHWA under MnDOT Contract 97334. However, adequate funding was unavailable to include all the needed enhancements at that time. Consequently, only a portion of the enhancements were made.

  The following features are still identified as a need for inclusion within this software, in order to effectively continue with IC implementation efforts on hot-mixed asphalt applications:

  • Import, analysis and mapping of:

  -Moba Temperature Bar data (Pave IR Data)

  -Surface Profile Data (exported from Proval)

  • Calculation of Pass Counts from Production Data

  • Performance Enhancements

  • Increased data management capabilities

  • Enhancements towards geo-spatial analyses features

  • Contingency Funding for problems encountered during the FY2013 Construction Season.

  MnDOT continues with efforts towards the implementation of IC with the objective of realizing the following goals:

  • Decreased quality assurance (verification) testing resulting in

  -Decreased Inspector Time

  -Increased Inspector Safety

  • Decreased production time for Contractors

  -Optimization of Number of Roller Passes

  -Optimization of Timing with Respect to Paving Temperatures

  • 100% Compaction Coverage

  -Increased Performance

  -Decreased Maintenance

  • Digital Record and History of IC Measurements.

  -Ability to Link Construction to Pavement Performance and Design

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  Submitted by rebecca.embacher 14 days ago

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  Sue Lodahl »

  Drivers Assist System Pilot for Minnesota Snowplows

  Idea Submitted by:

  Clark Moe

  MnDOT Office or District :

  Maintenance

  Implement a Pilot DAS in District 7. Previous research developments include: - HUD efforts on TH 7 near Hutchinson MN - State of Alaska & Polk ...more »

  Implement a Pilot DAS in District 7. Previous research developments include:

  - HUD efforts on TH 7 near Hutchinson MN

  - State of Alaska & Polk County MN DAS efforts

  - Minnesota Valley Transit Authority Bus 2.0 (UPA) efforts

  Please note that this proposal has been submitted for collaborative funding consideration through MNDOT’s Destination Innovation Program

  Project is described in attached proposal

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  Submitted by clark.moe 20 days ago

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  Scott Bradley »

  Complete Streets Planning and Design Guidance Document

  Idea Submitted by:

  Moderator (for Scott Bradley)

  MnDOT Office or District :

  Office of Environmental Services, Pre-Construction Section

  MnDOT and LRRB have several Complete Streets research projects underway that are planned to be wrapping up in early FY 2013. The Complete Streets ...more »

  MnDOT and LRRB have several Complete Streets research projects underway that are planned to be wrapping up in early FY 2013. The Complete Streets guidance document would be a new publication for use by MnDOT and local agencies, to be used by designers and project managers but written to be understandable to a more general audience.

  - It will incorporate the 5 road typologies and 7 land-use contexts developed for Minnesota context-sensitive solutions

  - Cross-reference existing guidance (AASHTO, RDM, etc.) and identify potential conflicts between sources

  - Consideration of cars, transit, freight, bicycles and pedestrians

  - Public involvement tools for planners and project managers

  - Expanded project development process to include multi-modal and multi-jurisdictional projects

  - How to manage non-standard design solutions that are needed to accomplish Complete Streets objectives

  - Guidance that considers maintenance and operations (snow plowing, stormwater, roadsides, traffic calming)

  - How to collect data and perform multi-modal safety and operational analysis of facilities

  - Publish the guidance document

  - Develop Complete Streets training curriculum based on the guidance document

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  Submitted by Moderator 14 days ago

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  Cassandra Isackson »

  Interactive Website for Sharing Traffic Safety Data

  Idea Submitted by:

  Chu Wei

  MnDOT Office or District :

  Office of Traffic, Safety and Technology

  Highway Safety Research Group developed an interactive website for the State of Louisiana to report on Traffic Safety data. This is an easy to ...more »

  Highway Safety Research Group developed an interactive website for the State of Louisiana to report on Traffic Safety data. This is an easy to use, interactive web tool that combines a state map of parishes in Louisiana with tables and charts that display selected data based on various criteria all on one compact web page. As the user makes selections from pull-down menus, the map, tables, and charts change to reflect the selection.

  This interactive tool can be found at: http://lashspdata.lsu.edu/#/Home

  The goal of this project is to develop an interactive website, similar to the Louisiana site, which will help agencies answer questions about crash related fatalities and serious injuries in the State of Minnesota. This tool can be shared between MnDOT, Public Safety, Department of Health, and local agencies.

  This is a state-of-the-art tool that can assist the Office of Traffic, Safety and Technology in:

  • Evaluating its services

  • Making decisions

  • Reaching its goals

  • Allocation funding

  Cost: $15,000-$20,000

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  Submitted by chu.wei 12 days ago

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  Nick Thompson »

  Phase 3 of Zipper Merge

  Idea Submitted by:

  Nick Thompson

  MnDOT Office or District :

  CO Communications

  Complete the final phase of public education on how to use zipper merge. The implementation would include an evaluation of effectiveness

  1 comment

  Submitted by nick.thompson 7 days ago

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  Jay Hietpas »

  CMGC Implementation

  Idea Submitted by:

  Jay Hietpas

  MnDOT Office or District :

  Construction and Innovative Contracting

  Last year OCIC recieved research funds to research a new alternative contracting process called Construction Manager / General Contractor (CM/GC). ...more »

  Last year OCIC recieved research funds to research a new alternative contracting process called Construction Manager / General Contractor (CM/GC). CM/GC is a cross between design-build and design-bid-build contracting. The results of this successful research have helped MnDOT and AGC agree to new legislation that is anticipated to paass this year.

  Phase II of this project now focuses from reserach to implementation. Implementation funds will be used to develop contracting processes, guidelines and procuedures. CM/GC has the potential to bring signficant innovation and cost savings into our projects.

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  Submitted by jay.hietpas 19 days ago

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  Curt Turgeon »

  Enhancements to the Sonic Test Rolling (STR) Systems

  Idea Submitted by:

  Rebecca Embacher

  MnDOT Office or District :

  Office of Materials and Road Research

  The STR system was developed with the objective of realizing the following goals related to quality acceptance: • Digital, permanent record ...more »

  The STR system was developed with the objective of realizing the following goals related to quality acceptance:

  • Digital, permanent record of the consolidation conditions.

  -Ability to link construction to pavement performance and design.

  • Tool for conditions where the standard (30-ton) test roller is unable to be utilized:

  -Sections with utilities.

  -Thin Subcuts/Fills

  -Smaller projects (e.g., turn lanes, short sections).

  -County/City Applications where standard-test rolling is not used due to the above reasons, and/or due to the damage caused on some routes during transport of the standard test rolling system and limited number of personnel to monitor failure locations behind the standard test roller.

  • Ability to monitor compaction on aggregate bases.

  Currently, enhancements were made to the STR research prototype along with two newly purchased systems during the FY2012. The systems are now ready for implementation. However, since this is the first stage of the implementation effort, contingency money is needed to address software or system issues that will arise during these efforts, and to allow the ability to address the lessons learned during these efforts. Currently, the need for incorporation of the following features has been identified during validation efforts of the newly purchased equipment:

  • Ability to deploy patches through the USB Port.

  • Temporary storage of data within the data control hardware in lieu of direct export to USB port.

  • Ability to verify ‘real-time’ that the data is being collected and stored.

  • Update the Research Prototype’s GPS system.

  • Ability to connect to MnDOT’s Virtual Reference Station / Continuously Operating Reference Station (VRS/CORS) GPS network.

  • Adjusting of the sonic sensor filtering system.

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  Submitted by rebecca.embacher 14 days ago

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  Sue Groth »

  LED Roadway Lighting - Amendment

  Idea Submitted by:

  Alan Rindels and Sue Zarling

  MnDOT Office or District :

  Research and OTST

  In 2011 the OTST was awarded an SPR grant to explore the only manufacturer which might meet our lighting standards. We are now aware of additional ...more »

  In 2011 the OTST was awarded an SPR grant to explore the only manufacturer which might meet our lighting standards. We are now aware of additional manufactures who have LED lighting equipment which meets our State Standards, and would like to expand the study to explore this new equipment. This study would continue MnDOTS efforts to reduce the state’s taxpayers burden (economic and environmental costs)for lighting our highways by exploring these new platforms.

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  Submitted by alan.rindels 7 days ago

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  Bev Farraher »

  MDSS Plow Truck Implementation

  Idea Submitted by:

  Michael Kamnikar

  MnDOT Office or District :

  Metro Maintenance

  A Maintenance Decision Support System (MDSS), improves winter maintenance operation decisions such as treatment types, timing, rates, and locations, ...more »

  A Maintenance Decision Support System (MDSS), improves winter maintenance operation decisions such as treatment types, timing, rates, and locations, which have considerable impact on roadway safety and efficiency. Being able to make the right decisions at the right time will improve material useage control and tracking, tort claims, labor management, economic and environmental concerns.

  Automated Vehicle Location (AVL) is an integral part of MDSS used to track MnDOT's plow trucks to accomplish the goals of increased safety and efficency.

  Implementation of funding from this program will outfit plow trucks from 2004 and newer as these vehicles come equipped with the neccesary electronics to be compatible with an MDSS.

  An existing MDSS research project is currently being led by the Office of Maintenance.

  Real time, site specific information and data collection of MnDOT's snow and ice operations addresses a high priority transportation issue.

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  Submitted by michael.kamnikar 5 days ago

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  Sue Groth »

  Rural Intersection Warning Systems

  Idea Submitted by:

  Dan Rowe

  MnDOT Office or District :

  Office of Traffic, Safety and Technology

  This funding request is for installation of rural intersection warning systems. In keeping with the targeted crash analysis and countermeasure ...more »

  This funding request is for installation of rural intersection warning systems.

  In keeping with the targeted crash analysis and countermeasure approach that has been effective throughout the Toward Zero Deaths program, MnDOT and its county and private industry partners have identified an ongoing safety challenge at rural stop-controlled intersections. Crashes at these intersections continue to represent a significant share of transportation fatalities and injuries throughout rural Minnesota. According to Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, stop-controlled intersections were the site of 9,956 crashes in 2010, resulting in 63 fatalities and 5,065 injuries.

  Mn/DOT’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) identified addressing intersection related crashes as one the State’s Safety Emphasis areas.

  In addition to intersection lighting, signing and geometric improvements, transportation agencies are turning to ITS as another tool for improving safety. A variety of dynamic intersection warning systems have been developed and tested in many states.

  Using a combination of static signing, detection and dynamic elements, these systems provide drivers – on both the major and minor roads – with an active warning of other vehicles approaching the intersection.

  The intersection warning system has been shown to reduce conflicts at test intersections. The system is also well received by the public based on various surveys.

  MnDOT’s Strategic Vision for Safety is to promote and maintain a safe, reliable and modern transportation system by reducing transportation-related fatalities and injuries through the use of new and improved technology and safety measures.

  Building on proven success from field tests in Minnesota and other states, MnDOT’s Office of Traffic Safety & Technology (OTST) requests funding for rural intersection conflict warning systems at stop-controlled intersections throughout rural Minnesota as a safety improvement effort.

  Please see attached pdf.

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  Submitted by daniel.rowe 8 days ago

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  Nelrae Succio »

  Project Management use of 3D & 4D Modeling and Scheduling

  Idea Submitted by:

  Terry Ward

  MnDOT Office or District :

  District 6

  Note - this idea was withdrawn by the proposer. Propose an effort to develop an implementation plan for the use of: 1) 3D Modeling during Design ...more »

  Note - this idea was withdrawn by the proposer. Propose an effort to develop an implementation plan for the use of:

  1) 3D Modeling during Design and Construction for conflict detection and risk assessment.

  2) 4D scheduing for conflict detection, risk assessment and schedule validation.

  3) GPS based constrution data collection and incorporation into the 3D and/or 4D modeling for more efficient and effective use of construction field data and as-builts.

  4) GIS based Project Management data storage and retrival for an overall Enterprise based project management system.

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  Submitted by terry.ward 16 days ago

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  Nick Thompson »

  Next Generation Integrated Corridors with HD Data

  Idea Submitted by:

  Nick Thompson

  MnDOT Office or District :

  PS & SI division

  Develop and implement an integrated arterial/freeway systems, where arterial signal timing is based in part on freeway conditions. The concept ...more »

  Develop and implement an integrated arterial/freeway systems, where arterial signal timing is based in part on freeway conditions. The concept would take learnings from smart signal and the development on new ramp meter controlers. The implementation area is I-94 from Snelling to Huron and University to Marshall. The quality of data available opens new opportunities for freeway and arterial efficiencies in highly congested areas

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  Submitted by nick.thompson 7 days ago

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  Sue Groth »

  Mainline Warning Systems on Major Roadway for CICAS-SSA Project

  Idea Submitted by:

  Dan Rowe

  MnDOT Office or District :

  Office of Traffic, Safety and Technology

  Led by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) and University of Minnesota, Cooperative Intersection Collision Avoidance System-Stop ...more »

  Led by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) and University of Minnesota, Cooperative Intersection Collision Avoidance System-Stop Sign Assist (CICAS-SSA) targets the national problem of crashes at rural thru-stop intersections; particularly those where lower speed, lower volume roads intersect high speed, high volume expressways.

  Intersections represent one such potentially dangerous location as evidenced by the statistic that 20% of all fatalities in the United States occur at intersections (FHWA, 2006). The high percentage of fatalities that occur at intersections is especially worrying considering that intersections represent only a small proportion of total roadways. Crashes that occur at rural intersections result in fatalities more frequently than do crashes at urban intersections (Knapp, Campbell & Kienert, 2005), most likely due to higher velocity of vehicles on rural highways.

  The CICAS-SSA system is an infrastructure-based driver support system that is intended to improve gap decision making at rural median separated stop-controlled intersections. The CICAS-SSA system tracks vehicle locations on a major roadway and then displays a message to a driver on a minor road via a changeable message sign. The basis of this sign is a “Divided Highway” icon that is commonly presented in traffic environments. Overlaid on the roadways of the basic icon are yellow and red icons that represent approaching vehicles that are either at a distance (in terms of headway) at which the driver on the minor road should proceed with caution, or at a distance that is considered unsafe.

  While CICAS does inform drivers on the minor roadway of approaching vehicles on the major roadway, it does not inform drivers on the major roadway of traffic trying to enter from the minor roadway. We would like to assist the driver on the major roadway with signage warning of vehicles attempting to enter from the minor roadway.

  Please see attached pdf.

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  Submitted by daniel.rowe 8 days ago

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