Minnesota is making strides in transportation innovation, with a particular focus on creating smarter, safer, and more efficient roadways for both drivers and pedestrians. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has been working on a range of innovative technologies and safety measures that are gaining attention for their potential benefits to traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
An advanced traffic signal control system known as ‘max-pressure’ is on the precipice of a real-world field test in Hennepin County. This machine learning algorithm can adjust traffic signals in real time, aiming to minimize delays and improve traffic flow. A simulation using Hennepin County’s own intersections indicated that the system responds effectively to real-time traffic volumes, allowing more vehicles through during green light phases. According to the latest MnDOT report, the next step is to test the max-pressure system’s operation in field conditions to ensure it performs safely and functional in an actual traffic scenario.
Simultaneously, MnDOT is working to increase pedestrian safety within Minnesota’s Native American reservations, where pedestrian crosswalks have been a concern. The agency partnered with the Anishinaabe Nations to install safety countermeasures at high-risk locations. Despite the improvements, MnDOT found that these crossings are often misused, with less than half of pedestrians activating flashing crosswalk beacons intended to alert drivers. Future design efforts will incorporate these findings to enhance the effectiveness of pedestrian safety countermeasures.
In other advancements, MnDOT has evaluated vehicle identification technology, upgrading existing inductive loops at several sites. The improvements yielded a notable 95% accuracy in vehicle classification, increasing to 97% when streamlining classifications. The research notably found the upgraded inductive loops outperformed other commercial systems in both vehicle classification and detection rates. However, the technology still confronts some challenges with accurately classifying trucks because of their similar undercarriage characteristics.
The state is not only looking at technology for vehicles but also at sustainable practices for the environment. MnDOT has investigated the use of local by-products to create more sustainable soil for vegetated roadsides, which play a key role in filtering stormwater runoff. Testing a variety of materials like sawdust and recycled concrete, the study identified several options like dredge sand and ash sawdust that can support robust plant growth and efficient water filtration. These findings will help engineers design effective soil mixes for better stormwater management along Minnesota’s roadways.
As these research efforts pave the way for safer and more sustainable transportation, Minnesotans can learn more through the MnDOT’s ‘Research Radar Webinar Series’. Interested individuals can join in on January 23rd to explore autonomous vehicle innovations. MnDOT staff are also set to participate in over 30 sessions at the upcoming 104th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board in Washington, D.C. from January 5th to 9th. For more details about these events and how to participate, visit the MnDOT website.
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