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.
What is the LRRB?
A short look at what the Minnesota Local Road Research Board does, and how it benefits city and county engineers, officials, and citizens.
De-Icing Study: Putting the Products to the Test
Watch this video to see MnDOT-funded researchers transform parking lots into driving tracks to study the effects of weather and vehicle traffic on different deicing treatments.
Navigating a Multi-Lane Roundabout
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.
Answers to Common Questions About Gravel Roads
More than half of U.S. roadways are gravel roads, making them an important part of our transportation system. Learn about gravel road construction, common problems with gravel roads, and how to keep a gravel road in the best condition.
Frost Damage in Pavement: Causes and Cures
Frost damage is a costly aspect of roadway maintenance. This video shows laboratory experiments exploring how frost interacts with pavement, discusses methods of repairing damage and offers better designs to avoid damage in the first place.
Frost Damage in Pavement: Executive Summary
This is an abbreviated version of the full “Frost Damage in Pavement: Causes and Cures” video.
Construction Zone Safety: Our Responsibility
Scott Gabrio, a MnDOT maintenance worker, was seriously injured by a distracted driver in a construction zone. This video shows what happened to Scott and what we can all do to prevent similar crashes from happening in the future.
Road Closed Signs: Beware and Be Aware
A tragic accident occurred in Cambridge, Minn., when a driver ignored a “Road Closed” sign and drove into a 30-foot-deep trench. This video shows the choices that led to this crash, the dangers of entering a construction area, and the importance of obeying Road Closed signs.
Choosing Stormwater Management Practices: A Decision Tree for Minnesota Cities
Based on a Local Road Research Board guide to stormwater best management practices, this video shows examples of various BMPs as local engineers explain how they have used them to keep stormwater pollutants out of Minnesota lakes and streams.
Speed Limits: Why Do We Have Them?
This video addresses the frequently asked questions relating to speed limits: Do lower speeds slow traffic? And should residential speed limits differ from other types of roads?
Stop Signs: Why Do We Have Them on Residential Roads?
This video answers the common questions regarding stop signs, such as whether these signs really slow traffic and who decides where they’re placed.
Minnesota Pothole Professionals: Smoothing the Way to Safer Travel
Local pothole professionals, like those featured in this video, respond to citizen reports of potholes and proactively patch potholes on an interim basis during the spring thaw and on a permanent basis throughout the warmer months.
Catch Basin Maintenance Repair Trailer
This video shows how the City of Lakeville Street Division was able to retrofit an existing trailer to meet their current needs, thanks to funding from the LRRB’s Operational Research Assistance Program.
Pavement Management: Better Data, Better Decisions, Better Roads at the Right Time
This video was developed to help local agencies understand and communicate the benefits of pavement management. It is targeted at non-users of pavement management or engineers wishing to convince their elected officials to implement a program.
To Pave or Not to Pave – Narrated PowerPoint
This video was developed by the Minnesota Local Roads Research Board to inform the public about the many factors to consider when developing a plan to maintain or upgrade a gravel road.
Roads and Loads: Finding the Balance
This video discusses load limits, which are calculated using current pavement design and the amount, type and weight of the traffic using the road. These limits are set to protect our significant investment in transportation infrastructure.
How About a Roundabout? The Minnesota Experience
This video discusses the safety and design features that are used in modern roundabouts.
Toolkit for a Career in Civil Engineering
This video discusses what a civil engineering career is, and interviews public- and private-sector engineers in Minnesota about their projects and experiences.
Snowplow – Cool!
This video, designed for second and third grade children, tells the story of 10-year-old neighbors who had a near-accident with a snowplow. City and county public works departments are encouraged to visit schools in conjunction with this video to build connections with their communities and take an active role in safety.
Pothole Repair: Proven Practices
This 14 minute video provides an overview of the causes of potholes and repair methods. Three types of patching methods, permanent, semi-permanent and temporary, are presented along with the guidelines for selecting the most appropriate techniques.