Featured Studies
Transportation research at the University of Minnesota covers the spectrum from fundamental to applied research, drawing on the many transportation-related disciplines within the University. The Center actively supports the formation of multidisciplinary research teams. Research spotlight
U of M, Mn/DOT develop new snowplow
Rajesh Rajamani
KSTP - TV, October 14, 2009
A smart new snowplow under development by the University of Minnesota and Mn/DOT may make roads safer while using less salt, which saves money and in turn helps the environment. U of M mechanical engineering professor Rajesh Rajamani, the developer of the plow, says the plow's sensor technology allows for a more targeted attack on snow and ice.
Cellular Phone-Based Teen Driving Support System aims to help young drivers stay safe
CTS Research E-News, September 2009
HumanFIRST research fellow Janet Creaser
University of Minnesota researchers are using “smart” cell phones to help teen drivers keep out of trouble behind the wheel. The design and evaluation of a Teen Driver Support System (TDSS) is documented in a report authored by HumanFIRST Program research fellow Janet Creaser, program director Mike Manser, graduate student Richard Hoglund, and ITS Institute director Max Donath.
The first Teen Driver Support System (TDSS) prototype, developed by Institute researchers in 2006, gave drivers real-time auditory and visual feedback but the system was bulky and complicated to install.
Because the new TDSS system is based on smart-phone technology, it is designed to be less expensive and easier to implement than an earlier prototype system developed by the ITS Institute that was based on special dedicated hardware. The research was supported by the University of Minnesota’s Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technologies Administration (RITA). Read full article
Technology enables nationwide implementation of a system to measure mileage for road user fees
ITS Institute researchers have proposed a system for charging mileage-based road user fees. The system, designed to be deployed in the near-term and without GPS, uses a plug-in device in vehicles and builds on existing technology. Communication is available wherever cellular service is accessible, meaning no new wireless infrastructure is needed. The proposed system was featured recently in the newsletters TollRoads News, Surface Transportation Innovations, and AASHTO Journal. View full reportRecently published research reports
- Development of Data Warehouse and Applications for
Continuous Vehicle Class and Weigh-in-Motion Data
Report no. Mn/DOT 2009-33 - Hydraulic and Mechanical Properties of Recycled Materials
Report no. Mn/DOT 2009-32 - Understanding the Impacts of Transitways - The Hiawatha Line: Impacts on Land Use and Residential Housing Value
Report no. Research Brief 1643 - Understanding the Impacts of Transitways: Demographic and Behavioral Differences between Hiawatha Light-Rail and Other Transit Riders
Report no. Research Brief 1643 - Bridge Health Monitoring and Inspections - A Survey of
Methods
Report no. Mn/DOT 2009-29