While chloride-based deicers are commonly used for winter maintenance, there are other deicing options available in today’s marketplace. This guidance features a compendium of existing research on alternative deicers summarized in an easy-to-access format. It details alternative deicers, cost-effectiveness of the materials, equipment, and storage needs. All findings are summarized in a fact sheet with a reference guide to help local agencies better understand material characteristics. Project methods, data synthesis, and gap analysis and recommendations for future research are documented in a final report.

This guide was developed to help local agencies in Minnesota better understand and compare Capital Improvement Planning (CIP) software tools. It summarizes key features, functionalities, and support offerings across several CIP-related solutions, based on vendor-provided information and publicly available materials. The priorities guiding evaluation and comparison include cost & licensing, support & training costs, and geospatial & GIS integration. The guide is not intended to rank or recommend specific products but to provide a side-by-side comparison for informed decision-making. 

Maintenance equipment continues to evolve and improve for both summer blading activities and winter snow and ice control. With all the options for cutting edges, agencies are inundated with a wide variety of choices with varying cost ranges and functionality. Choosing the right cutting edge for snowplowing or blading gravel roadways is essential to maximize performance, reduce costs, and protect both roads and operators. The best blade depends on surface type, plowing/blading conditions, and desired durability. New guidance equips public agencies with considerations to select, use, and evaluate cutting edges that deliver the best return on investment.

Compared to traditional intersections, roundabouts are proven to decrease serious crashes. However, because drivers yield rather than stop upon entering roundabouts and at crosswalks, public concerns about pedestrian and bicyclist safety remain. In this project, researchers analyzed driver yielding behavior in nearly 3,000 interactions with pedestrians or bicyclists at 16 roundabouts in Minnesota. They identified the factors corresponding to higher yielding rates, such as roundabout size, number of lanes and location of crosswalks. These insights will guide local agency and MnDOT efforts to optimize pedestrian and bicyclist safety in designing and managing roundabouts.

Pavement markings make travel safer for all road users. However, the material used for retroreflectivity can be slicker than the surrounding pavement. To maximize the safety of bicyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians, researchers explored the friction values of different marking materials. Project results produced valuable information on relative friction between pavement and marking materials and, importantly, identified effective testing tools to evaluate and compare products.

Roadside vegetation is essential for managing stormwater and mitigating soil erosion. This study looked at whether alternative approaches could establish roadside vegetation more quickly and cost-effectively. Organic and proprietary soil amendments are potential alternatives that have demonstrated enhanced soil fertility, microbial activity and water infiltration. Researchers compared the effectiveness of organic and proprietary amendments to that of conventional topsoil and fertilizers. The project results provide valuable guidance for incorporating organic and proprietary amendments into post-construction roadside vegetation growth efforts.

Thursday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m.

Join MnDOT's Office of Research & Innovation and the Minnesota Local Road Research Board for the next Research Radar webinar. It's free and open to the public, registration required. We're featuring the following three research projects:

• Development of Process to Lower Global Warming Potential of Construction Materials
• Use of Plastics in Road Materials (Paving)
• Evaluation of Gravel Stabilizer Used on Gravel Roads and Gravel Shoulders

In July, the LRRB hosted a workshop for 18 MnDOT and Ramsey County summer student workers focused on careers at city and county agencies and LRRB research. The workshop featured presentations on LRRB and MnDOT research projects, followed by a tour of MnROAD. A panel discussion and networking session with city and county professionals offered valuable insights into building a career at a local agency.

The panel session was facilitated by Andrew Witter, public works director and county engineer for Sherburne County and LRRB board member. Panelists included (L-R) Jake Meyer, assistant county surveyor, Sherburne County; Matt Leonard, public works director and county engineer for City of Monticello and LRRB board member; Sarah Schweiger, engineering services manager for City of St. Louis Park; and Jodi Teich, county engineer for Stearns County.

Wayne Sandberg, public works director and county engineer for Washington County and LRRB board member, recently was named an officer of the National Association of County Engineers. He will serve as secretary/treasurer for 2025-2026. Wayne previously served on the board of directors as North Central Region vice president from 2022-2025.

The Center for Transportation Studies’ 2025 Ray L. Lappegaard Distinguished Service Award was presented to Mike Marti, director at SRF. Mike’s career has been defined by his work with the LRRB, where he has delivered extensive training and crafted educational and communication materials that shaped industry practices.