LTAP News

‘Nurse’ tank improves operation of brine tank system

The public works department for the City of Rochester received a Local OPERA Program grant to address brine system performance issues on plow trucks with saddle-mounted brine tanks. Staff decided to install a “nurse” tank, positioned lower on the truck than the saddle tanks and directly connected to the system pump, to eliminate sloshing problems.
October 3, 2023

Plow blade installer cart improves worker safety, reduces costs

Staff in the Colorado Department of Transportation designed a cart to make it safer and quicker to replace plow blades. Traditional methods require a two-person team, but the cart allows one person to do it without reaching under the truck. The device was recognized under AASHTO’s Innovation Initiative.
October 3, 2023

Educational guide to help agencies meet project deadlines

Contractors failing to meet deadlines is a common problem for agencies. A new LRRB resource offers guidance on contract language and processes that can improve the likelihood of delivering a construction project on time.
October 3, 2023

MnLTAP staff updates: New roles and faces, same steady service!

MnLTAP is pleased to share news about our leadership and staffing.
Septmeber 25, 2023

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

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 uses OPERA grant to modify remote camera system—and receives National Mousetrap award!

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