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.
Traffic Control: What Works?
This video discusses how engineers develop reasonable, research-based traffic control strategies and apply engineering judgment to select speed control devices.
What is the LRRB? (1995 version)
A short look at what the Minnesota Local Road Research Board does, and how it benefits city and county engineers, officials, and citizens.
Roadway Design: Balancing Safety, Environment and Cost
This video looks at the issues that must be considered when designing roads in Minnesota, and how approved designs meet these three key issues.
Asphalt Overlays: The Four P’s
In this video, meteorologist Mike Fairbourne explains the Four Ps involved in asphalt overlays: planning, preparation, production, and placement.
Seal Coating: A Matter of Science and Skill
Quality seal coating requires both science in design and skill in application. This video shows emulsion and aggregate spreaders in action and explains the project management necessary to maintain an efficient seal coating operation.
Asphalt Crack Treatment
The video discusses the differences between cracking filling and crack sealing and between routing versus sealing. Computer animation helps illustrate key concepts.
Pavement Repair: Do the Right Thing at the Right Time
Using nontechnical terms, pavement material samples and other aids, a moderator explains how engineers gather data on pavement and underlying soils, then discusses the factors considered in making rehabilitation decisions.
Weather and Loads: The Effect They Have on Roads
While focusing on how pavement materials are affected by weather and loading, this video covers the basic concepts of pavement engineering, including fatigue, bearing capacity, and thermal expansion. It is a technical topic, designed for a general audience, with tabletop cross-section models to illustrate principles. Damage caused by overweight vehicle loads is also discussed.