DEICERS
Winter testing results: Dry rock salt vs. slurry
Results of a winter salt vs. slurry trial indicated a super-saturated salt slurry reduces bounce, scatter, and material loss.
Understanding salt chemistry helps fight snow and ice
A Clear Roads research project investigated how salt behaves at different temperatures and concentrations.
Potassium acetate more toxic than expected
Researchers found that a road salt alternative should be used with caution.
WEATHER
How are Minnesota’s warmer winters affecting pavement life?
A MnDOT-funded study is looking at the impacts of climate change trends on Minnesota’s pavement systems.
Let’s talk about the weather
What’s the forecast—and impact on roads? Check out products from the National Weather Service.
MOUSETRAP
Sidewinder tool fills barriers or berms to control water flow
The Sidewinder, a widening tool that attaches to a backhoe and pushes like a paver, eliminates unnecessary loss of wasted material.
Guardrail Maintainer keeps debris off the roadway
Frontline workers came up with the Guardrail Maintainer, an attachment tool that easily cleans around guardrails.
Submit your ideas for the 2023 Build a Better Mousetrap competition!
As you work on projects throughout the year, please keep the 2023 contest in mind.
INNOVATIONS
Shared automated vehicles: Big impacts for cities, local agencies
A summary report offers recommendations for policymakers, planners, and other officials.
Resources help explain AVs to stakeholders, public
MnDOT developed a set of resources to guide agencies with messaging and engagement about connected and automated vehicles.
POLICY
Federal infrastructure law increases funds for local agencies
What does the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law mean for local transportation agencies in Minnesota?
DOTs develop performance measures for climate resilience
MnDOT is undertaking a strategic approach to measuring and tracking how climate change is affecting the state’s transportation system.
INFORMATION SERVICES
Have a question or story idea? Send us a quick email!
Are there topics you want to see in the MnLTAP electronic or print newsletters? If so, please let us know! Email mnltap@umn.edu.
The Shelf
Recent publications from various sources.
Spreadsheet helps users estimate CIR curing time
Cold in-place recycling will now be more efficient thanks to a curing-prediction model and spreadsheet to reliably estimate the process time.
National Center for Rural Road Safety: Go-to source for national training, resources
The National Center for Rural Road Safety is a premier center of excellence for training, resources, technical assistance, and education on rural road safety issues.
Digital records aid data collection and asset management
The rapid evolution of digital technologies is offering state DOTs new opportunities to better collect and use data for project and asset management.
Steering committee update
We welcome a new member.
TRAINING
Training opportunities for tribal nations
MnLTAP is making funding available for Minnesota public works personnel who are members of a tribal nation or who work for a tribal nation.
CTAP training to get a facelift
The Circuit Training and Assistance Program (CTAP) is being retooled and enhanced to better serve local agencies by expanding on-site training opportunities across the state.
New online course: Communicating with the Public for Field Staff
A free course from Minnesota LTAP provides an introduction and best practices for public agency field staff interacting with public stakeholders.