Summer 2008 Technology Exchange
Expo speakers share how to preserve environment, wildlife
Even a cold spring like this year’s
didn’t chill enthusiasm for the annual
Spring Maintenance Training Expo.
Minnesotan named NACE president
Susan G. Miller, P.E., was
installed as president of
the National Association of
County Engineers (NACE)
at the organization’s Annual
Management and Technical
Conference, held in Portland,
Oregon, in April.
CTAP sets schedule for snow/ice training
The Circuit Training and Assistance Program (CTAP)
is testing a new approach this year for its “Snow and Ice
Control Material Application” training.
Mn/DOT launches ‘Hear Every Voice’ training
Mn/DOT’s “Public and Stakeholder Participation Guidance” initiative offers state-of-the-art comprehensive curricula and skill building for effective public and stakeholder participation.
Safety
Research analyzes conversion options for four-lane undivided highways
Keith Knapp, research manager for the Center for Excellence in Rural Safety at the University of Minnesota, gave an overview of considerations affecting three-lane conversions at a recent seminar.
The Traffic Corner: Crosswalk Guidelines
North Central Section of ITE has decided to develop a set of guidelines for identifying appropriate locations for marked crosswalks.
LRRB Update
OPERA project: Millings for Gravel Road Stabilization
LRRB storm water research to influence state, national standards
Findings from LRRB-funded research into the effectiveness of storm water management devices are influencing state and national standards.
Maintenance Research Corner
News and findings from Mn/DOT’s Maintenance Operations Research (MOR) and New Technology, Research, and Equipment Committee (NTREC).
Maintenance Expo
Best management practices in roadside vegetation
Carmelita Nelson of the Department of Natural Resources led a session focusing on best management practices in roadside vegetation.
The basics of prairie restoration
Ken Graeve from Mn/DOT discussed some of the important things to keep in mind when restoring prairies along roadsides.
Best practices in brush and weed control
According to Paul Walvatne of Mn/DOT and Tom Tri from St. Louis County Public Works, the challenge in controlling brush and weeds is trying to keep roads safe, aesthetically pleasing, and animal-friendly while staying within a reasonable budget.
Roads Scholar grads honored at maintenance expo
The third graduating class from Minnesota LTAP’s Roads Scholars Program was honored at the Spring Maintenance Training Expo held in St. Cloud.
Environment
Managing storm water with hot-mix asphalt pavements
Porous or dense-graded hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavements may provide a solution to storm water runoff as well as groundwater table recharge.
Storm water permit under revision
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is revising the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System/ State Disposal System (NPDES/ SDS) General Stormwater Permit for Construction Activity.
Information Services
Sampling methods target invasive weed control
“Know your enemy” is good advice for agencies charged with controlling invasive weeds on highway rights-of-way.
Mowing Smart: guidelines for rural mowing
A new one-pager—Mowing Smart: A Cost-Saving and Eco-Friendly Policy—is now on the Minnesota LTAP Web site.
New signal timing manual ready for free download
The FHWA Office of Operations has issued the Signal Timing Manual, the first comprehensive guide to current practices related to traffic signal timing.
Pavement conference session summaries: making greenways greener
Read about a “green” hiking and biking trail in the 2008 Minnesota Pavement Conference Session Summaries.
Events & Training
LTAP Training & Events Calendar
LTAP fall workshops: NPDES and more
Minnesota LTAP is offering a new workshop this fall: Storm Water and Erosion Control for NPDES Permits.
Fall maintenance expo: October 1–2
Mark your calendars for the Minnesota Fall Maintenance Expo at the St. Cloud Public Works Facility, October 1 and 2.