Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP)
Persistent link for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/11299/167902
This collection contains active and historical newsletters and other publications from Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP), a CTS program launched in 1992. Other publications include the annual reports compiled by the Local OPERA Program from 2005 to 2014. See https://mnltap.umn.edu/ for current trainings and other details.
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Item LTAP Exchange (September 2024, vol. 32, no. 3)(Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2024-09) Minnesota Local Technical Assistance ProgramArticles include: Minnesota Mousetrap awards: Belly plow and belly scratcher; From the director; Roads Scholars: Meet more new grads!; 2024 Roads Scholars to date; OPERA project: Brine Production Improvements; Pam Snopl, founding MnLTAP editor, retires after ‘too many words to count’; Bridge safety inspection evolves to ensure safe bridges for Minnesotans; Idaho ‘Name That Snowplow’ contest recognized by national Mousetrap program; Colorado ‘Thought Spot’ generates solutions; Tool may help agencies identify roadway segments sensitive to chloride deicers; Snowplow routing tools could improve real-time response, service; Sweep up tree litter to reduce stormwater pollution; Entry-level CDL online training resources expanded; When it rains, it often pours: Understanding the impacts on pavement foundations; Pennsylvania study finds high-friction surface treatments reduce crashes; 2024 Training and Demo Day; The ShelfItem LTAP Exchange (June 2024, vol. 32, no. 2)(Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2024-06) Minnesota Local Technical Assistance ProgramArticles include: Deer-vehicle collision study finds some surprises; Andrew Wrucke named MnLTAP director; Mindy Carlson retires after decades of service to MnLTAP; Roads Scholars: Meet four new grads!; City pays for intern schooling to train and retain good talent; Project will provide tools to recruit, retain maintenance workers; OPERA project: Benefits and limitations of liquid-treated sand; Tar kettle turned into hydroseeder; Truck tires turned into barricade weight; When is an Environmental Assessment Worksheet required for your project?; Minnesota Zoo tests fences and signs to help turtles cross the road; ICE reports—cool! Guidance for developing intersection control evaluation reports; Work-zone safety by the numbers; MnDOT researchers study intersection safety measures; The Shelf; Jim Foldesi receives distinguished service award; MnDOT updating ICE manual, adding chapter to Traffic Engineering ManualItem Minnesota Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Pilot Safety Program: A Report on the Program's Background and Initial Successes(Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2009-08) Minnesota Local Technical Assistance ProgramLocal transportation agencies continue to set aggressive safety goals. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to significantly improve highway safety using standard safety solutions because much of this benefit has already been realized. Low-cost intelligent transportation systems (ITS) solutions are now more readily available and can help local transportation agencies reach their safety goals. However, relatively few agencies are currently using ITS technologies. In 2008, the Minnesota ITS Pilot Safety Program was established to help local transportation agencies overcome the barriers that exist to implementing ITS technologies by funding ITS consulting assistance for these agencies. The pilot program was a joint venture sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) State Aid for Local Transportation, the MnDOT Office of Traffic Safety and Operation, the Minnesota Local Road Research Board, and ITS Minnesota. In the initial round of funding, four projects were funded in the amount of $10,000 each, and one project later withdrew. Two of the projects are now complete, and the local transportation officials overseeing those projects report significant initial success. In Saint Louis County, a new and promising solution for dynamic school bus warning signs was identified. The county and consultant are now seeking funding to begin development and testing of a system. In Olmsted County, location-specific ITS intersection safety systems were recommended, and the county plans to fund the purchase and installation of these devices over time through its annual capital improvement program. A third project in the City of Edina is scheduled to be completed in fall 2009.Item LTAP Exchange (March 2024, vol. 32, no. 1)(Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2024-03) Minnesota Local Technical Assistance ProgramArticles include: Exchange gets a new format!; Concrete culverts: Options for joint separation repair; Congratulations, Roads Scholar Class of 2023!; Roads Scholars: Meet the grads!; Human remains and construction sites: Handle with care, respect; U of M stormwater research sees practical application in Twin Cities metro, St. Cloud; Non-chloride deicers could be viable option; The best way to maintain disability access in the winter? Leverage community support; Take advantage of your environment for low-salt road design; Projects honored for improving safety, stormwater management; Easier clean-up with guide-rail grader; MnLTAP upgrades work-zone training; Roadway Maintenance Training and Demo Day in Brainerd, May 23; MnLTAP, LRRB explore CDL training needs for entry-level drivers; Tips to make roads safer for motorcycles; Study offers guidance to create stronger centerline joints; The Shelf; Hydraulic side disc improves safety; Steering committee updatesItem LTAP Technology Exchange (December 2023, vol. 31, no. 4)(Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2023-12) Minnesota Local Technical Assistance ProgramArticles include: ‘Nurse’ tank improves operation of brine tank; MnLTAP website relaunched with new features; MnLTAP director position to be posted in January; Vehicle work-order system uses AI; Auger safety valve disables motor; Safe wildlife road crossings benefit animals and humans; Software automates process for identifying obstructed traffic signals; ‘Low Salt, No Salt’ aims to reduce chloride in the private sector; Could salt-loving plants catch roadside salt runoff?; U research points way to reduce snowplow fuel consumption; Autonomous vehicles: Implications for winter maintenance, work zones, and traffic flow; New winter maintenance equipment evaluated on the road; Access management: A hidden influence on pedestrian safety; Nighttime visibility: Proven measures can save lives; ‘Night vision’ traffic signal cabinet reduces service time, costs; The Shelf; Snowplow and safety simulator training is back!; Truck-weight ‘how-to’ videos on MnLTAP website; Training calendar; Geometric Design Training Series is updated and online; We missed you at the Expo—so please come next year!; In Memoriam: Dan Frentress; Get training updates, other news in MnLTAP e-newsletter; Check out these winter maintenance resources!Item 2014 OPERA Annual Report(Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2014) Minnesota Local Technical Assistance ProgramThe 2014 OPERA Annual Report is a compilation of projects completed during the past year by local government transportation organizations receiving OPERA support. OPERA is a program of the Minnesota Local Road Research Board and is administered by Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP). The OPERA program encourages maintenance employees from cities and counties to get involved in operational or hands-on research. NOTE: this is the last annual report produced for OPERA.Item 2013 OPERA Annual Report(Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2013) Minnesota Local Technical Assistance ProgramThe 2013 OPERA Annual Report is a compilation of projects completed during the past year by local government transportation organizations receiving OPERA support. OPERA is a program of the Minnesota Local Road Research Board and is administered by Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP). The OPERA program encourages maintenance employees from cities and counties to get involved in operational or hands-on research. NOTE: the second item is a long version of the 2013 OPERA Annual Report that includes the Build a Better Mousetrap 2013 national competition entries.Item 2012 OPERA Annual Report(Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2012) Minnesota Local Technical Assistance ProgramThe 2012 OPERA Annual Report is a compilation of projects completed during the past year by local government transportation organizations receiving OPERA support. OPERA is a program of the Minnesota Local Road Research Board and is administered by Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP). The OPERA program encourages maintenance employees from cities and counties to get involved in operational or hands-on research.Item 2011 OPERA Annual Report(Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2011) Minnesota Local Technical Assistance ProgramThe 2011 OPERA Annual Report is a compilation of projects completed during the past year by local government transportation organizations receiving OPERA support. OPERA is a program of the Minnesota Local Road Research Board and is administered by Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP). The OPERA program encourages maintenance employees from cities and counties to get involved in operational or hands-on research.Item 2010 OPERA Annual Report(Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2010) Minnesota Local Technical Assistance ProgramThe 2010 OPERA Annual Report (Implementing Strategies for Success) is a compilation of projects completed during the past year by local government transportation organizations receiving OPERA support. OPERA is a program of the Minnesota Local Road Research Board and is administered by Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP). The OPERA program encourages maintenance employees from cities and counties to get involved in operational or hands-on research.Item 2009 OPERA Annual Report(Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2009) Minnesota Local Technical Assistance ProgramThe 2009 OPERA Annual Report (Innovation at Work) is a compilation of projects completed during the past year by local government transportation organizations receiving OPERA support. OPERA is a program of the Minnesota Local Road Research Board and is administered by Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP). The OPERA program encourages maintenance employees from cities and counties to get involved in operational or hands-on research.Item 2008 OPERA Annual Report(Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2008) Minnesota Local Technical Assistance ProgramThe 2008 OPERA Annual Report is a compilation of projects completed during the past year by local government transportation organizations receiving OPERA support. OPERA is a program of the Minnesota Local Road Research Board and is administered by Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP). The OPERA program encourages maintenance employees from cities and counties to get involved in operational or hands-on research.Item 2007 OPERA Annual Report(Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2007) Minnesota Local Technical Assistance ProgramThe 2007 OPERA Annual Report is a compilation of projects completed during the past year by local government transportation organizations receiving OPERA support. OPERA is a program of the Minnesota Local Road Research Board and is administered by Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP). The OPERA program encourages maintenance employees from cities and counties to get involved in operational or hands-on research.Item 2006 OPERA Annual Report(Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2006) Minnesota Local Technical Assistance ProgramThe 2006 OPERA Annual Report is a compilation of projects completed during the past year by local government transportation organizations receiving OPERA support. OPERA is a program of the Minnesota Local Road Research Board and is administered by Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP). The OPERA program encourages maintenance employees from cities and counties to get involved in operational or hands-on research.Item 2005 OPERA Annual Report(Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2005) Minnesota Local Technical Assistance ProgramThe 2005 OPERA Annual Report is a compilation of FY05 projects by local government transportation organizations receiving OPERA support. OPERA is a program of the Minnesota Local Road Research Board and is administered by Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP). The OPERA program encourages maintenance employees from cities and counties to get involved in operational or hands-on research.Item LTAP Technology Exchange (September 2023, vol. 31, no. 3)(Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2023-09) Minnesota Local Technical Assistance ProgramArticles include: Road shouldering machine gets an upgrade using OPERA funding; MnLTAP staff updates: New roles and faces, same steady service!; Minnesota Mousetrap awards; Categories added to Minnesota Mousetrap Competition; St. Louis County uses OPERA funding for remote camera system— and wins national Mousetrap award!; Transverse rumble strips: Which designs change driver behavior?; Iowa considers targeted, statewide rumble strips in response to deadly crash; Pedestrian safety features for year-round maintenance; Speed hump form speeds installation; Accessing federal funds for your local government project; Legislature passes Highways for Habitat Program; The Shelf; Clear Roads project creates standard protocol for testing snowplow blades; Avoid corrosion on winter equipment connectors; Summer campers learn from local agency staff; Get training updates, other news in MnLTAP e-newsletter; Get ready for winter with these resources!Item LTAP Technology Exchange (June 2023, vol. 31, no. 2)(Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2023-06) Minnesota Local Technical Assistance ProgramArticles include: Otter Claw saves time, improves safety; Rural ditch mowing: What you need to know; Strategies improve pollinator roadside habitat; Driver-assist system helps keep snowplows on the road; Guide helps agencies choose culvert types; Shoreview’s public works director honored for service, leadership; Study recommends biodiversity when planting roadside turfgrass; National Mousetrap Innovations; The Shelf; Roundabout speed reduction guide; Tips and tricks from Minnesota transportation agencies for a strong social media presence; Sneak peek at MnLTAP training!; Tips for flaggers; Using virtual learning to rethink maintenance and public works training—and reduce costsItem LTAP Technology Exchange (March 2023, vol. 31, no. 1)(Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2023-03) Minnesota Local Technical Assistance ProgramArticles include: Biodiesel allows agencies to cut carbon; Cultural resources and local government transportation projects; Congratulations, Roads Scholar Class of 2022!; Top projects: railroad grade separation, dam removal, and more; The art-and science-of deicing with liquids; Reducing road salt pollution using winter-smart design; The Shelf; EDC-7 innovations announced for 2023-24; Geosynthetics app helps track installation notes; Pavement app guides users on preservation techniques; Minnesota Roadway and Maintenance Demo Day will be in Mankato; New FHWA online courses on MnLTAP site; Culvert cleaner helps prevent floodingItem Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program: Improving Skills and Knowledge Through Training, Technical Assistance, and Innovation (Brochure)(Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2022) Minnesota Local Technical Assistance ProgramThis brochure describes Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (MnLTAP), including the Build a Better Mousetrap Recognition Program, the Operational Research Assistance Program for Local Agencies (OPERA), training opportunities, the Roads Scholar program, other resources, and sponsors.Item LTAP Technology Exchange (December 2022, vol. 30, no. 4)(Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2022-12) Minnesota Local Technical Assistance ProgramArticles include: Winter testing results: Dry rock salt vs. slurry; How are Minnesota’s warmer winters affecting pavement life?; Sidewinder tool fills barriers or berms to control water flow; Submit your ideas for the 2023 Build a Better Mousetrap competition!; Guardrail Maintainer keeps debris off the roadway; Shared automated vehicles: Big impacts for cities, local agencies; Let’s talk about the weather; Understanding salt chemistry helps fight snow and ice; Potassium acetate more toxic than expected; Federal infrastructure law increases funds for local agencies; DOT Navigator helps you apply for grants, find resources; DOTs develop performance measures for climate resilience; The Shelf; National Center for Rural Road Safety: Go-to source for national training, resources; Digital records aid data collection and asset management; Training opportunities for tribal nations; CTAP training to get a facelift; New online course: Communicating with the Public for Field Staff