Spring 2002 Technology Exchange
Transportation research done
the easy way – OR – why use a transportation library?
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) Library has been providing
information services to the transportation community for over four decades.
Pavement Conference: techniques
from Australia to Minnesota
Participants at the Sixth Annual Minnesota Pavement Conference were treated
to news of pavement methods from places as varied as France, South Africa,
and Australia—and of course Minnesota.
CTAP instructor hired
Kathleen Schaefer has been hired as the new instructor for the Circuit
Training and Assistance Program (CTAP).
FHWA seeks submissions for highway design
award
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is soliciting submissions for
its 2002 Biennial Awards for Excellence in Highway Design Program.
City, county engineer associations present
annual awards
Goodhue County, Hastings, and two outstanding engineers are honored.
Scanning the globe for pavement
preservation innovations
In recent years, an increasing number of highway agencies have discovered
the benefits of low-cost pavement preservation treatments that can extend
the service life of pavements.
Report gives guidelines for alleviating
roadside salt distress
The use of salt as a deicer is common in Minnesota, due to its low cost
and efficiency. However, its effect on the adjacent vegetation causes
many problems for highway maintenance staff.
Spring – and diesel – are in
the air
We must move out of our safe winter space and into our dynamic summer
space—THE WORK ZONE!
Get smart – use ITS in work zones
Using intelligent transportation systems (ITS) in work zones can help
ease the frustration and prevent crashes.
Duration of spring load restrictions
Prior to 2002, the duration of spring load restrictions was fixed at eight
weeks for both asphalt concrete and aggregate-surfaced roadways, even
though they have different recovery periods.
Living snow fence reduces costs, maintenance
Living snow fences are low-cost solutions to prevent drifting problems
on roads and in communities and reduce the effort spent on snow management
each year.
CTS annual research conference to include
legislative update
The CTS Thirteenth Annual Transportation Research Conference will be held
May 22–23 in Touchstone Energy®Place at RiverCentre in St.
Paul.
Construction management program update
Academic major and minor options are available at the University of Minnesota.
Uniform Act
The Uniform Act applies to all federally funded projects that require
the acquisition of real estate and/or where persons are displaced from
their homes, businesses, and farms.
NTREC Corner
Highlights from the January and February bulletins of the New Technology,
Research and Equipment Committee (NTREC).
AirTAP update: Session summaries available;
upcoming sessions in May
AirTAP has more training and events on the way this summer.
Predicting the safety of rural
two-lane roads
A new method enables highway agencies to estimate the safety performance
of existing or proposed highways and to compare the safety performance
of geometric design alternatives.
Dig those gravel roads
The South Dakota LTAP Center and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
have developed a manual titled Gravel Roads—Maintenance and Design
Manual.
Minnesota T2/LTAP welcomes new staff
We're pleased to introduce you to three new employees who will be supporting
T2/LTAP activities.
Pavement preservation toolbox available
Everything you ever wanted to know about pavement preservation . . . right
at your fingertips.