The Local Road Research Board publishes a wide range of transportation-related educational materials. Our most recent and popular guidebooks, manuals and courses are available below. For all research reports, go here.
Contact our staff at research.dot@state.mn.us for more information.
Transportation Career Resources
This resource page features guidance, videos and a recruitment toolkit for local agencies in Minnesota. It also features information about transportation careers for job seekers.
Full Depth Reclamation Resource Guide for Urban and Suburban Street Application
A new guidebook, video, and fact-sheet provides guidance on the use of full-depth reclamation for rehabilitating urban and suburban roads.
Side-Dumping Plow Truck Piloted in Nicollet County
Video demonstration of adaption of a Mack Super Truck from its usual winter snowplow configuration to also haul a much larger side-dumping trailer in summer. Includes fact sheet.
Guide to Converting Distressed Low-Volume Paved Roads to Unpaved Roads
A practitioner-ready guide for converting severely distressed low-volume paved roads to improved, easily maintained gravel roads. The guide includes decision-making tools and an online webinar for training
Edina Develops Temporary Roadside Turf Irrigation System
The City of Edina Engineering Department has developed a temporary roadside turf irrigation system with inexpensive common parts for the roadsides of smaller city road and utilities reconstruction projects as a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to water truck irrigation.
Webinar: Converting Severely Distressed Paved Roads to Engineered Unpaved Roads
The Local Road Research Board hosted “A Guide to Successfully Convert Severely Distressed Paved Roads to Engineered Unpaved Roads” on Oct. 29, 2019 from 10 – 11:30 a.m.
LRRB Featured on Edina TV
The LRRB was featured on Edina TV on Sept. 16, 2019. The City of Edina’s Engineering staff is testing a new irrigation system in hopes of finding a more efficient and cost-effective way of replacing grass and vegetation following a road reconstruction project.
Best Practices for Boulevard Turf Design and Maintenance
A new guidebook, video and handout provide best practices for successful establishment of boulevard turfgrass after road construction.
Video: Base Stabilization Guidance and Additive Selection for Pavement Design and Rehab
This brief video highlights the topics covered in the LRRB’s guidebook, including Steps for Successful Base Stabilization, How to Choose the Right Additive, and Research on Why Base Stabilization Works.
Video: Ineffective Specialty Warning Signs: What’s the Harm?
Which specialty warning signs are necessary and effective, and which do more harm than good? The answer may surprise you.
Pervious Concrete A Success for Lakeside Neighborhood
Recent research shows that the city of Shoreview was on the right path in 2009 when it took the then-unusual step of installing pervious concrete pavement on the streets of the Woodbridge neighborhood to help control stormwater and pollutant runoff into nearby Lake Owasso.
Carver County Evaluates Pickle Brine for Ice Control
Carver County staff received a grant through the Local OPERA Program to help purchase a brine-making system and support further research into the viability of using pickle brine in winter maintenance operations.
New Video, Website Invite Kids to Explore World of Civil Engineering
Students can learn more about the field of civil engineering and how to become an engineer in a new video and website produced by the Local Road Research Board.
Roundabout Myths (3-myth version)
In this video, we debunk three common roundabout myths and prove they are a viable alternative for intersection traffic control.
Roundabout Myths (10-myth version)
In this video, we address common roundabout myths and demonstrate why they are a viable alternative for intersection traffic control.
Rumble Strips Noise Difference: Traditional vs Sinusoidal Designs
This video, shot near Thief River Falls, Minnesota, shows a comparison between traditional rumble strip designs and the newer sinusoidal rumble strips (a.k.a. “mumble strips”). Researchers are investigating whether sinusoidal rumble strip designs, which are much quieter, are effective enough to combat drowsy or inattentive driving.
Flashing Yellow Arrow Tool for Time-of-Day Use Instructional Video
This video accompanies a spreadsheet tool, which aims to assist local agencies in determining which hours of the day to consider using flashing yellow arrow (FYA) phasing.
Winter Chemicals for Local Agencies
This video gives an overview of the different types of chemicals available to public works entities to combat the toughest Minnesota winter conditions.
Minnesota Bike Lanes: Learning to Share
In this video, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists in Minnesota identify some common misconceptions about bike lanes.
Why Aren’t They Working on My Road?
Ever wonder why your road isn’t being repaired? This Minnesota Local Road Research Board video explains why roads go bad and why sometimes the worst roads aren’t fixed first.