Maintenance Research Corner
Driving simulator
Staff of Mn/DOT’s Maintenance Operations Research (MOR), along with the members of the Mn/DOT New Technology, Research, and Equipment Committee (NTREC), publish a monthly one-page bulletin of their latest news and findings. Below are highlights from recent bulletins. If you would like to be added to the bulletin mailing list, please e-mail Farideh Amiri of Mn/DOT Maintenance Research at farideh.amiri@dot.state.mn.us.
Mini might patrol
This is an attachment for a skid-steer loader currently being used by District 4. This equipment will replace the motor grader used for maintaining shoulders and other small motor grader work. This new equipment will help us better utilize our much-needed skid-steer loaders and in certain applications reduce or eliminate the high cost of owning and operating motor graders.≥
For more information, contact Dennis Redig, 218-846-7943, superintendent, Detroit Lakes.
Driving simulator
Mn/DOT recently purchased two driving simulators that have the ability to simulate various weather and traffic conditions. They also have the capability of converting from a snow plow truck to a regular passenger vehicle simply by changing the seat and the dash from a truck setting to a sedan setting.
These simulators will be mounted in a trailer and will travel to each district, enabling the most cutting-edge training for current and future snow plow operators. The simulators can also be used for defensive driving training for all Mn/DOT employees.
For more information, contact Rick Shomion, 651-366-3576, maintenance training coordinator.