LTAP News
Transverse rumble strips: Which designs change driver behavior?
To help guide planning, researchers explored which transverse rumble strips designs are most effective in changing driver behaviors.
August 25, 2023
Pedestrian safety features for year-round maintenance
A study identified best practices for designing pedestrian safety countermeasures that not only reduce the risks of crashes and other incidents but also are compatible with effective winter maintenance operations.
August 25, 2023
Accessing federal funds for your local government project
There are three paths to obtaining federal funds under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Formula funds, Discretionary grants, and Congressionally directed spending projects.
August 25, 2023
Legislature passes Highways for Habitat Program
The law requires MnDOT to establish an integrated roadside management program for its vegetated roadsides.
August 25, 2023
Avoid corrosion on winter equipment connectors
A Clear Roads synthesis project gathered information that will help transportation agencies reduce—or avoid—the corrosion of electrical connections on winter maintenance equipment.
August 25, 2023
Clear Roads project creates standard protocol for testing snowplow blades
A project investigated different snowplow blades and developed a test protocol for evaluating and selecting blades.
August 25, 2023
Submissions open this fall for 2024 internships
The Local Agency Transportation Internship Program connects local agency employers across Minnesota with current stu¬dents pursuing careers in transportation.
August 25, 2023
Remote camera system shown in new OPERA video
Traditional methods of evaluating road conditions can be costly and time-consuming, making them difficult to deploy countywide on a limited budget. Thanks in part to a grant from the Local OPERA Program, the St. Louis County Public Works Department implemented a remote camera network to monitor road conditions and manage responses over its 6,800-square-mile area. An OPERA video and fact sheet are available.
August 22, 2023
Interactive guide gives best practices for improving subgrade drainage
A new interactive tool from the LRRB helps agencies understand drainage problems and options for mitigating structural damage to pavements due to moisture. It includes information on design, construction, maintenance, typical sections and specifications, resources, and more.
August 22, 2023
Got a research idea or a problem to solve? The LRRB is here for you!
The Local Road Research Board (LRRB) serves Minnesota’s local transportation agencies through research and the implementation of new technologies that benefit local roads. Your expertise is always welcome! Learn how you can provide research ideas, serve on a TAP, and access guidebooks and other technical knowledge.
August 22, 2023
Road shouldering machine gets an upgrade using OPERA funding
Shoulder drop-offs have been a major maintenance and safety concern for the Redwood County Highway Department. The department purchased a Road Widener® to speed up gravel placement on shoulders, but the machine was damaged within two weeks of use and needed design adjustments to prevent the glitch from happening again. Thanks to a grant from the Local Operational Research Assistance (OPERA) Program, the county was able to modify the machine and resume shouldering operations with little delay. An OPERA video and fact sheet about the project are available.
July 27, 2023
Minnesota Mousetrap awards: Otter Claw, snow blower castors, and more!
Congratulations to the recipients of Minnesota’s 2023 Build a Better Mousetrap Awards! First place goes to Otter Tail County for the Otter Claw and second place to the City of Bloomington for its Sidewalk Snow Blower Castors project. Redwood County and Big Stone County were runners-up.
July 27, 2023
St. Louis County received the National Build a Better Mousetrap “SMART Transformation Award” for its Remote Camera Installation project. The award was announced at the National LTAP & TTAP Association annual conference in July. Funding from the Local Operational Research Assistance (OPERA) Program allowed the county to collaborate with the manufacturer on several modifications.
July 27, 2023
Award categories added to Minnesota Mousetrap Competition
The Minnesota Build a Better Mousetrap Competition recognizes local transportation innovations by highlighting homegrown ideas, innovative gadgets, equipment modifications, and safety improvements. To further this mission, MnLTAP has created two award categories: the Pioneer Award and the Smart Transformation Award.
July 27, 2023
Has your agency used ‘Expanding the Transportation Workforce’ tools?
In 2021, MnLTAP led the creation of tools to help expand the transportation workforce and fill open positions. The set of tools includes a training roadmap, a recruitment toolkit, a community outreach and communication guide, and a career brochure. We’d love to know if and how your agency has used the tools—and what your needs are moving forward.
July 27, 2023
Should your city reduce speed limits? Guidebook outlines process to decide
A new guide from the LRRB examines the history of Minnesota speed limits, a 2019 statutory change, and the consequence of the change to communities. It examines the effectiveness of speed limit changes and outlines a process for agencies to follow when deciding to make a change—and offers alternative strategies that work better for improving pedestrian and bicycle safety.
July 10, 2023
Resource helps agencies plan winter fleet transition to electric, alternative fuels
As renewable energy becomes more cost-effective and commonplace, agencies may choose to begin replacing their winter maintenance vehicles and equipment with a fleet that has a smaller carbon footprint. A new Clear Roads synthesis report includes best practices from earlier fuel transitions, recommendations, and future considerations for making winter maintenance fleets greener.
July 10, 2023
Why motivating people doesn’t work...and what does
What if the answer to motivating people is to stop trying to motivate them? The May update of MnDOT’s New Library Materials page features the book Why Motivating People Doesn’t Work...and What Does. This title is available in print, e-book, and e-audiobook from the library and is for sale by major booksellers.
July 10, 2023
Messaging techniques increase acceptance of ‘U-turn’ rural intersections
Restricted crossing U-turn (RCUT) intersections on four-lane divided highways significantly improve safety, but their implementation is sometimes met with community resistance. U of M researchers studied the effectiveness of persuasive messaging techniques to increase public acceptance.
July 10, 2023
Rural ditch mowing: What you need to know
Mowing and spraying guidance, laws and rules, safety tips, and much more!
June 6, 2023
Driver-assist system helps keep snowplows on the road
University of Minnesota researchers developed driver-assist technologies to improve safety and performance.
June 6, 2023
Shoreview’s public works director honored for service, leadership
Mark Maloney is known for national leadership in permeable pavement techniques.
June 6, 2023
Tips and tricks from Minnesota transportation agencies for a strong social media presence
Researchers studied social media best practices and compiled a guidebook that government agencies can use to effectively communicate with local communities.
June 6, 2023
Asphalt crack treatment: FAQs and technical resources
Crack treatment is one of the most-used pavement preservation practices. Although the technique is simple, several nuances make it more of an art than science. A new quick reference guide from the LRRB provides an overview of crack treatment, guidance on several FAQs, and a high-level summary of several technical resources.
June 2, 2023
Drainage 101: Best practices and resources guide
The time individual engineers, administrators, and their staff invest in researching drainage law and defining the best approach to solving drainage issues can be considerable. A new LRRB-funded guide provides quick access to information needed to solve those problems and discover legal solutions to recurring drainage issues.
June 2, 2023
Intelligent warning devices: Guidance for when & where
No agency wants to apply a solution that isn’t defensible and sustainable. An LRRB reference guide gives local agency staff a resource on four intelligent warning devices (also known as active warning signs). The guide includes a general explanation on the use of the sign and their effectiveness, recommended installation protocols, alternative countermeasures to consider, and maintenance considerations.
June 2, 2023
Decision tree helps choose pavement markings
The online Pavement Marking Decision Tree helps agencies understand their options and determine which pavement marking material to consider for a new surface or when replacing existing markings with a different material. The LRRB-funded tool asks questions to drill down to what you need, then links to the appropriate resources.
June 2, 2023
Otter Claw saves time, improves safety during culvert cleanouts
Culvert cleaning crews in Otter Tail County have spent many hours manually shoveling out clogged culverts, which can be a dirty, dangerous, and labor-intensive job. The department’s skid steer attachment—the Otter Claw—has changed all that. The county received funding from the Local Operational Research Assistance (OPERA) Program to enhance the device, and an OPERA video is now available.
May 12, 2023
Stabilizers compared for full-depth reclamation
Beltrami and Hubbard counties planned pavement rehabilitation on a shared road, presenting a unique opportunity to directly compare two stabilizers: engineered emulsion and Base One®, a proprietary mix. After work was completed, both road segments met design values for pavement strength, according to an LRRB-funded study.
May 1, 2023
Thermal camera scans for people in encampments
Encampments along roadsides in public rights-of-way (ROWs) create significant safety hazards for the people living in them. Agency staff members working in or near these ROWs also face safety risks. A MnDOT-funded project tested a thermal imaging tool that can help detect people inside tents or other shelters.
May 1, 2023
Retention ponds help prevent phosphorus pollution
Retention ponds are an important tool for stormwater treatment. When they work, they sequester pollutants that would otherwise be washed into Minnesota’s waterways. However, these ponds lose functionality over time if they aren’t maintained properly. University of Minnesota researchers developed a powerful tool for cities and counties to manage retention ponds more cost-effectively.
May 1, 2023
Turfgrass varieties identified for Minnesota regions
MnDOT recommends turfgrass seed mixes for use statewide, but seed mixture performance depends on weather, climate conditions, and other local variables. In an LRRB-funded project, researchers identified region-specific mixes and created a cost estimation tool to help local agencies choose the right ones for their areas.
April 3, 2023
Strategies improve pollinator habitat on roadsides, reduce costs
Agencies revegetate roadsides after construction projects to provide road stability, stormwater filtration, and visual appeal. Revegetation is also a good opportunity to create pollinator-friendly habitat. But with limited resources, which landscapes should be prioritized, and what seeding practices should be used? A recent study provides strategies that agencies can use to support pollinators while reducing costs.
April 3, 2023
Tips to up your social media game
Whether you’re a social media newbie or a communications guru, there are always new trends, technology, and platforms to learn about communicating online. That’s why the LRRB developed a guidebook for local transportation practitioners. The guidebook is designed to help the average local transportation practitioner communicate about transportation and public works topics more effectively on social media.
April 3, 2023
Roundabouts: speed reduction treatments, pedestrian experiences
How can road designers get drivers to slow down at approaches to roundabouts—and keep themselves and pedestrians safe? Two new resources from the Minnesota Local Road Research Board (LRRB) offer strategies: A quick reference guide identifies treatments for a range of settings, and a research report offers ideas to improve pedestrian experiences.
March 3, 2023
Applying fog seal to chip-sealed roads can improve performance
Applying a chip seal to asphalt on low-volume roads is a popular pavement preservation method, but it can cause various problems, including public complaints. New research from the LRRB indicates that in some situations, applying a fog seal after a chip seal can improve asphalt performance—and public satisfaction—cost-effectively.
March 3, 2023
Preparing for PFAS in your community
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals pose health and environmental risks for many communities. A post on the American Public Works Association – Minnesota Chapter website offers ideas for preparing elected officials and residents to deal with this issue. A summary report of a 2022 PFAS forum for airport personnel is also available.
March 3, 2023
Future of Mobility series: perspectives, action steps
The Future of Mobility series collects the perspectives of top University of Minnesota researchers and other national experts.
February 2, 2023
Automated systems help agencies manage salt stockpiles
A Clear Roads project examined a range of existing and emerging approaches to measuring indoor salt stockpiles, including automated and semi-automated systems using LiDAR, photogrammetry, surveying, acoustic sensing, and drone technology.
February 2, 2023
National Mousetrap: Video, booklet showcase Minnesota projects
Lake of the Woods County received a Minnesota Mousetrap award last year for its modified shear attachment for excavators. It’s also one of the projects in the national Build a Better Mousetrap Showcase 2022 video. Other Mousetrap submissions from Minnesota and around the country are honored in the 2022 national program booklet.
February 2, 2023
Check out MnLTAP’s new online course and other training options!
Minnesota LTAP has developed a new online course that provides an introduction and best practices for interacting with public stakeholders in a variety of contexts.
January 11, 2023
Training opportunities for tribal nations
Minnesota LTAP is making funding available for Minnesota public works personnel who are members of a tribal nation or who work for a tribal nation.
January 11, 2023
Geosynthetics app helps track installation notes
A new app provides handheld, quick, and easy access to information on the various types and functions of geosynthetic materials for use in road construction and maintenance projects.
January 11, 2023
Local Infrastructure Hub to help cities access BIL funding
The Local Infrastructure Hub is helping local leaders navigate and understand information from the federal government on the funding opportunities available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
January 11, 2023
Innovation Exchange webinars: Workforce development and more
The Innovation Exchange webinars bring cutting-edge transportation leaders to the table to share ideas and innovative practices that have proven results.
January 11, 2023
Value capture strategies are focus of webinar series
The FHWA will launch webinar series on value capture that will spotlight the techniques promoted by the FHWA’s Every Day Counts (EDC-5) initiative.
January 11, 2023
Infrastructure grant program accepting applications
The US Department of Transportation has published a Notice of Funding Opportunity for $1.5 billion in grant funding.
January 11, 2023
Reminder: Deadline for internship postings is Feb. 15
The deadline to post internship positions is approaching.
January 11, 2023