Brady PieperMinnesota will test innovative transportation technologies, advance climate initiatives and assess construction methods, according to a recent update on the state’s latest transportation innovations.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is unveiling the Transportation Research Update to provide transparency on the state’s newest and upcoming traffic safety, public health, transportation tech and maintenance initiatives. Highlighting a strong year in innovation for MnDOT and its research team, the update offers active solutions to improve transportation infrastructure, enhance system operations and address safety concerns for pedestrians and drivers.
MnDOT’s first initiative is seeking to reduce travel times and improve congestion on Minnesota roads. Utilizing a new transportation technology called max-pressure traffic signal control, the initiative will integrate a machine learning algorithm into traffic signal systems to respond to vehicles and congestion in real-time.
So far, the research project demonstrated the traffic signal technology is compatible with infrastructure in Hennepin County. This compatibility and the progression of machine learning technology will allow MnDOT to conduct field testing of max-pressure traffic signal control systems to further evaluate safety, efficiency and operations at functioning intersections.
MnDOT earmarks accurate vehicle classification as another crucial planning and infrastructure development tool to understand traffic patterns. To better classify vehicles at intersections, the department has upgraded existing inductive loop technology, improving traffic monitoring across the state.
Testing at five sites showed that the technology can differentiate between a variety of vehicle types at a 95% rate, helping transportation officials make informed decisions in real-time. While the technology was notably inaccurate at identifying trucks, additional research into inductive loop technology may be necessary to conclude reports.
As part of ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian safety across the state, the update finds that installing safety measures at key crossings could lead to safety improvements on tribal reservations. MnDOT and the Anishinaabe Nations will continue to work in partnership to reduce pedestrian accidents, develop safe infrastructure and enhance local signage.
Environmental initiatives are a main priority under this transportation innovation update, including the growing challenge of stormwater runoff. MnDOT researchers are exploring ways to amend roadside soil by using industrial by-products, such as sawdust, recycled concrete and beet tailings, to create a more effective and organic medium for stormwater filtration.
Researchers discovered, by testing dredge sand, street sweepings and ash sawdust, that these by-products not only showed potential for improving soil health, but also for reducing environmental damage caused by road construction.
The transportation research update highlights two maintenance investigations that will improve the performance of dowel-concrete interface methods. MnDOT is seeking to investigate dowel bars, or steel rods embedded at joints in concrete slabs, to understand how different anchoring methods affect the lifespan and quality of road surfaces.
Two key investigations explored the use of epoxy and grout anchoring systems, examining how well they held dowels in place and whether they improved performance. The first evaluation inspected various epoxy and grout anchorage systems at the joint between new and existing concrete sections. The second study evaluated these findings in real-world situations. While neither anchoring material used in the studies showed low performance, neither indicated significant improvements.
Looking ahead, MnDOT will continue to host free and open sessions for the Research Radar Webinar Series to further engage with the state’s transportation research. The next webinar, Exploring Autonomous Vehicle Innovations, will be held on Jan. 23.
More information and resources on Minnesota’s transportation technology and research initiatives can be found on the MnDOT’s Office of Research and Innovation webpage.
Photo by Davis Sánchez
