Spring 2009 Technology Exchange
Pavement Conference
Speakers stress need for innovation
Speakers at the 13th Annual Minnesota Pavement Conference shared innovative ideas to help meet today’s transportation challenges.
Minnesota Statewide Transportation Plan: Looking 20 years into the future
Tim Henkel, director of Mn/DOT’s Planning, Modal & Data Management Division, summarized the “Minnesota Statewide Transportation Plan: 2009-2028.”
Improving project predictions by managing risk
Economist Khalid Bekka explained a process that he has used to manage risk in more than 100 infrastructure projects.
Cement industry can reach sustainability
The cement industry can achieve the goal of sustainability—through people, process, and product innovation.
Asphalt supply in a volatile world
Clint Rybak of ConocoPhillips discussed the outlook for asphalt supply.
Awards
CEAM, MCEA, NCITE, MN-APWA
Awards from the City Engineers Association of Minnesota, Minnesota County Engineers Association, North Central Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers, and Minnesota Chapter of the American Public Works Association.
Cook County receives national honor
The Cook County Highway Department won $15,000 under the Roadway Safety Foundation Safer Roads: Building Safety into Your Drive public information and education campaign.
LRRB update
Roadside vegetation handbook updated
The new edition includes a new chapter on managing roadside vegetation for wildlife and vehicle safety.
Contracting resources on LRRB site
The LRRB Web site has several helpful resources about innovative contracting methods.
CEAM conference highlights
Getting ‘best value’ from your contracts
A new statute that governs the awarding of contracts allows flexibility in bid awards.
Clean sweep: street sweeping, storm water BMPs
Speakers presented helpful resource guides for two ongoing, real-life needs—street sweeping and storm water best management practices.
Complete streets
The Complete Streets study mandated by the state legislature is focusing on issues such as safe access for all users, the feasibility of creating paved shoulders on rural roads, and maintenance costs.
Communications
Technical writing for transportation professionals
A freelance writer and educator presents a how-to article on technical writing for transportation professionals.
Safety
The Traffic Corner: Testing Traffic Counters
Spring is a good time to make sure your field equipment is in working order.
Maintenance
Maintenance Research Corner: HID lights, induction heating system, salt skirt
Information Services
The Shelf
Selected reports and other materials