Fall 2007 Technology Exchange
Maintenance
LTAP’s bridge training to cover inspection, maintenance
“The collapse of the I-35W bridge should make us appreciate all the effort that goes into keeping bridges safe,” says
Ken Johnson, P.E.
Fog seal to protect new pavements, rejuvenate old ones
In his presentation on fog seals at the February 15, 2007, Minnesota Pavement Conference, chemist and pavement consultant
Gayle King said “I’ve been working with civil engineers all my life, and never do I remember 95 percent of them agreeing
on anything.
New options possible for late season pavement markings
Late season work provides challenges for installing pavement markings.
LTAP Seal Coat Operations workshops this fall
"Does your agency have so much money that you cannot spend it all? If so, this class is not for you,"
says Thomas Wood.
Report describes applied research projects
Mn/DOT’s Office of Maintenance and Security published its 2005–2007 Statewide Biennial Maintenance
Operations Report.
Maintenance Research Corner
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.
Bridges: Did you know?
About 400 local bridges in Minnesota are defined as deficient by the federal government.
Tips, resources shared at National LTAP Conference
Every summer staff from all the LTAP centers—one in each state plus Puerto Rico—along with staff from TTAPs (Tribal
Technical Assistance Programs) and other agencies come together for the National LTAP Association (NLTAPA) conference.
Driving dangerously, risking employment
Minnesotans with commercial driver’s licenses who drive dangerously while off the clock risk much more than fines or
higher insurance premiums.
LRRB Update
Pilot project to ease gathering of cadastral, right-of-way data
Local government could save on resources if it had access to the state’s survey and right-of-way acquisition
information.
LRRB to offer rural safety primer at workshops
The Minnesota Local Road Research Board (LRRB) is addressing safety by developing Rural Road Safety Solutions Workshops
that will be held in early 2008 in all Mn/DOT Districts.
OPERA Project
Frost Boil Correction
Problem: Water that seeps into gravel or red rock roadbeds can cause frost boils and other road
defects.
Policy
Parking: How much is enough?
Can there be such a thing as too much parking? A growing number of cities and towns around the country are answering yes
to this question.
Who really pays for free parking?
Who pays for free parking? “Everyone but the motorist,” said Professor Donald Shoup of the University of California Los
Angeles.
Information Services
The Shelf
Questions? Contact Arlene Mathison, Minnesota LTAP librarian, 612-624-3646,
amathison@cts.umn.edu.
TERRA publishes first annual report
The Transportation Engineering and Road Research Alliance (TERRA) published its first annual report in August.
Snow and ice control guidelines
The National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 577: Guidelines for the Selection of Snow and Ice
Control Materials to Mitigate Environmental Impacts
Learn about degree scholarships
Need to fund your education? All sorts of scholarships and fellowships for degree students interested in a
transportation-related field
Local Government Video Catalog published
Minnesota LTAP, in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, has published the 2007 edition of the
Local Government Video Catalog.
Events & Training
LTAP Training & Events Calendar
For an up-to-date list of events in Minnesota, please see the LTAP training and events calendar
Roads Scholar credit again offered at "How to" conference
The Northland Chapter of the American Traffic Safety Services Association (NCATSSA) will hold its 16th annual "How to"
safety training conference March 18 and 19, 2008, in Fargo, North Dakota.
Click, Listen, and Learn schedule set through August 2008
Click, Listen, and Learn is the American Public Works Association (APWA) series of interactive Internet educational
programs.