Minnesota DOT Investigates New Work Zone Intrusion Alarm SystemApril 25, 2019-The capabilities of a new work zone intrusion alarm system—Advance Warning and Risk Evasion (AWARE)—were recently demonstrated during a Minnesota paving project. The portable radar-based technology detects and tracks potential vehicle intrusion threats and worker locations to warn both workers and errant drivers. MnDOT gained insights about the technology, and the developer is continuing to field-test and refine the system.
Read the project summary: Personal Warning Sensor for Road Construction Workers, February 2019.
Iowa DOT Develops Guidance on Epoxy Repairs of Concrete OverlaysApril 23, 2019-Iowa DOT has long used concrete overlays to restore bridge decks and extend their service life. Overlays delaminate over time, but they can be repaired through the injection of epoxy resins into cracks and voids. A recent study sought to learn the actual service life of epoxy repairs as well as the most effective methods and materials for injection. A field investigation and review of industry practices were used to develop specifications.
Read the research report: Investigation and Evaluation of Iowa Department of Transportation Bridge Deck Epoxy Injection Process, February 2019.
Ohio Investigates Catch Basin Inserts for Post-Construction Highway DrainageApril 12, 2019-Researchers for Ohio DOT evaluated the use of catch basin inserts to remove suspended solids from runoff in post-construction areas. Based on performance and cost considerations, the use of catch basin inserts was determined not to be a post-construction stormwater best management practice in Ohio.
Read the research report: Catch Basin Inserts for Ohio Roadways, September 2018.
Colorado Rest Areas Project Evaluates Facilities, Develops Policy GuidanceApril 9, 2019-A two-phase study of Colorado DOT’s 27 agency-maintained rest areas seeks to identify how these facilities can complement existing privately owned facilities and ensure that travelers have amenities within a reasonable distance as they travel across the state. The Phase I report documents the study methodology and establishes a baseline for management decisions. The follow-up Phase II report will present specific recommendations.
Read the research report: Statewide Rest Area Study—Phase I Report, Inventory and Assessment, September 2018.
Building Better Microsurfacing and Slurry Seals: TRB Webinar on April 24April 2, 2019-The Transportation Research Board will conduct a webinar on Wednesday, April 24, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time on microsurfacing and slurry seals. Presenters will discuss the use and construction of these pavement preservation techniques. They will also examine issues practitioners have encountered and discuss possible solutions.
Read the announcement: TRB Webinar: Building Better Micro Surfacing and Slurry Seals.
(Image courtesy of Seattle DOT.)
Invasive Japanese Knotweed May Adversely Affect Roadways Through ErosionMarch 28, 2019-A researcher who noted the spread of the highly invasive Japanese knotweed in Vermont after Hurricane Irene continued his investigation into its detrimental effects. The plant spreads vegetatively—without seeds and through disruption—and thrives as it quickly kills groundcover and promotes erosion of banks, such as those along streams and roadways. This TRB conference presentation reveals the plant’s many destructive effects, including those relevant to transportation.
Read the presentation: Japanese Knotweed as a Driver of Streambank Erosion, January 2019.
Selected Turfgrass Mixtures Can Withstand Harsh Roadside EnvironmentsMarch 19, 2019-Researchers for Minnesota DOT tested different grass seed mixtures to determine their ability to survive harsh roadside environments: heat, salt and ice cover. For each stress test, investigators identified top-performing varieties; these will be further field-tested to determine the best mixtures to use along Minnesota roadsides.
Read the research report: Regional Optimization of Roadside Turfgrass Seed Mixtures, December 2018.