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.
Heavy Truck Impact Calculator
This Excel-based tool calculates the impact of a variety of heavy vehicles on local asphalt roads. The tool will help local agencies make informed decisions when developments such as construction, distribution centers or hauling routes create an unexpected increase in heavy vehicle traffic on a temporary or permanent basis, and it will aid in planning if these traffic increases can be predicted.
Training Module for Pavement
Over a period of many years, LRRB and FHWA Investigations have produced information relating to selecting the most effective Pavement Rehabilitation Strategies. In addition to these efforts, the FHWA has produced training modules incorporating Pavement Rehabilitation Selection methods. The objective of this task was to synthesize these efforts and develop a training module summarizing the best practices suitable for use by local agencies in Minnesota.
Implementation of Pavement Management in Minnesota
This resource will help local agencies without a Pavement Management System to evaluate, select, and justify the purchase and operational costs of a PMS; additionally, it will help local agencies who have a PMS to better use and enhance their capabilities.
Minnesota’s Best Practices and Policies for Safety Strategies on Highways and Local Roads
This handbook aims to reduce the number of severe crashes on the state’s highway system by helping agencies design, operate, and maintain their systems of roads and highways. A spinoff from the ongoing County Road Safety Plan efforts, this resource contains traffic safety strategies, sample policies and best practices information to support agencies as they implement their own policies.
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.
Guide for Rural Intersection Safety Technologies
A new guidebook is intended to help engineers select and deploy LED stop signs and ICWS at stop-controlled intersections.
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.
The Road to a Thoughtful Street Tree Master Plan
The manual will assist communities and planners to not only select the best trees for their available planting sites, but to use specific principles of street tree design to most effectively create public green spaces, positively affect traffic patterns, and create healthy living spaces.
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.
Minnesota Bike Lanes: Learning to Share
In this video, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists in Minnesota identify some common misconceptions about bike lanes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frost Damage in Pavement: Executive Summary
This is an abbreviated version of the full “Frost Damage in Pavement: Causes and Cures” video.
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.
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.
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.