MnDOT Research

11/04/2026

More than 50 MnDOT safety rest areas and travel information centers require ongoing maintenance and upgrades. Researchers in a recently completed study evaluated 15 energy-saving measures and developed a decision support tool to help identify cost-effective sustainability improvements for individual facilities. The tool supports investment decisions based on energy savings, operating costs, maintenance needs and environmental benefits.

More than 50 safety rest areas and travel information centers managed by MnDOT require ongoing maintenance and upgrades to provide adequate service. Cost-effective building improvements offer oppor…

10/13/2026

A new MnDOT and LRRB-funded project is evaluating tools that improve the durability of asphalt pavements across Minnesota. Researchers will review new materials, warm mix asphalt, and updated asphalt binder specifications to support longer-lasting roads and cost-effective maintenance. Learn more and subscribe for updates on MnDOT's Office of Research & Innovation page.

This research focuses on improving the durability of asphalt pavements by examining emerging technologies, materials, and temperature‑control methods. Recent advancements—such as warm mix asphalt (…

10/08/2026

Join us and the MN Local Road Research Board for this month's Research Radar all about bikes! Come learn about how researchers are evaluating travel patterns of e-bike users, planning bike infrastructure based on mobile-sourced data, and improving design guidance for bicycle facilities.

🚴Research Radar - Route Awakening: Data driven understanding of bicycle and e-Bike use across Minnesota
📅 Thursday, October 15 | ⏰ 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. CT
✅ Free to attend | Registration Required

REGISTER HERE: 12536734-7373-45b0-8df2-0182b108db3b@eb14b046-24c4-4519-8f26-b89c2159828c" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/12536734-7373-45b0-8df2-0182b108db3b@eb14b046-24c4-4519-8f26-b89c2159828c

10/07/2026

Researchers in a new MnDOT study are exploring hydrogen fuel technology for medium- and heavy-duty fleet vehicles. The project will assess hydrogen's environmental and economic impacts, identify safety considerations, and evaluate options for future fleet conversion. Subscribe for project updates on MnDOT's Research & Innovation webpage.

Minnesota Executive Order 19‑27 and State Statute 16C.135 set ambitious goals for MnDOT to reduce fleet fuel consumption and emissions by 2030 while prioritizing zero‑ and low‑emission vehicle purc…

09/29/2026

Curious about the latest transportation research happening across Minnesota?

Join us Tuesday, October 6 from 1–3 p.m. at the MnDOT Library in the Transportation Building for the 2026 Transportation Research Showcase—our first-ever event highlighting more than 30 projects from MnDOT and the Local Road Research Board. You can listen to presentations, talk directly with researchers, or simply stop in for a quick look. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome! We hope to see you there!

The MnDOT Library is located in Room 175 in the Transportation Building, 395 John Ireland Blvd., St. Paul.

Learn more about the MnDOT research showcase here: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/research/research-showcase.html

09/16/2026

A recently completed MnDOT-funded study tested a new sensor-based alert system to improve safety in highway work zones. The system uses wearable devices, equipment-mounted sensors, and cone-based intrusion sensors to detect hazards and send real-time alerts. Field testing showed accurate alerts, strong worker feedback, and no false alarms. The research team found that combining multiple sensor types significantly improved detection and reduced positional errors. This low-cost approach shows promise for making work zones safer across Minnesota.

Highway construction sites present significant safety challenges to workers and the traveling public. Technologies have been developed to reduce work zone risk, but current options are often a sign…

09/15/2026

A new LRRB project is studying the feasibility of solar-powered LED street lighting in Minnesota. The work will look at battery performance in cold weather, lighting levels, durability, cost savings, and environmental benefits. Field testing at rural intersections or trail sites will help determine how solar lighting can improve nighttime safety and reduce maintenance needs. Subscribe for project updates through MnDOT's Office of Research & Innovation.

The need for this research stems from documented safety benefits associated with roadway lighting and the growing challenges in maintaining traditional, wired lighting systems. While rural location…

09/08/2026

Join us and the MN Local Road Research Board for this month's Research Radar focused on bridge maintenance! Learn about new and innovative maintenance methods researchers are testing and applying to support the strength and longevity of Minnesota bridges.

🌉 Research Radar: Bridge the Gap: Maintenance Moves that Make Decks Last
📅 Thursday, September 17 | ⏰ 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. CDT
✅ Free to attend | Registration Required

REGISTER HERE: 3fdd5abe-402e-4af0-9edc-cf9a8038d108@eb14b046-24c4-4519-8f26-b89c2159828c" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/3fdd5abe-402e-4af0-9edc-cf9a8038d108@eb14b046-24c4-4519-8f26-b89c2159828c

09/02/2026

A new MnDOT and LRRB-funded research project is evaluating ground penetrating radar as a faster and non-invasive way to monitor moisture conditions in in-service roads. This work will help improve understanding of how moisture affects pavement performance and support better maintenance decisions on low-volume roads across Minnesota. Subscribe for project updates through MnDOT's Office of Research & Innovation.

Moisture fluctuations within pavement foundations—driven by rainfall, freeze–thaw cycles, and groundwater changes—can significantly impact pavement performance, especially on Minnesota’s low volume…

08/26/2026

Roundabouts and J-turns continue to show strong safety operational benefits across Minnesota. A recent evaluation found no notable negative economic impacts on nearby businesses. Surveys of residents, stakeholders, and business owners showed high confidence navigating roundabouts, growing familiarity with J-turns, and minimal effects on customer access or sales. Traffic and safety analyses also showed substantial economic savings from avoided crashes.

Roundabouts and J-turns improve safety and road user experiences. While public familiarity and acceptance of these alternative intersections designs increase over time, questions remain regarding e…