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The current empirical methods for determining traffic-opening criteria can be overly conservative causing unnecessary construction delays and user costs. The research described here recommends innovative mechanisticbased procedures for monitoring concrete early age development and evaluating the effect of early traffic opening on long-term damage accumulation. The procedure utilizes recent developments in nondestructive testing to optimize traffic opening timing without jeopardizing pavement longevity. These tasks were achieved via extensive field and laboratory experiments allowing for the analysis of variables such as curing condition and loading type with respect to the effect of early loading of concrete. The results of these efforts culminated in the development of a program that analyzes the effect of design and opening time decisions on pavement damage. The deliverable can be utilized by transportation agencies to make more informed decisions.

White-Nose Syndrome and increased disturbance of habitats used by bats for roosting and foraging has led to a growing concern about the U.S. bat population over the last decade. Bridge repair and replacement projects are required to follow additional regulatory requirements to avoid and minimize impacts to bats; when protected bat species are present on bridges. Some of these requirements (e.g.; timing restrictions) are challenging to implement given Minnesota's short construction season. The objective of this project was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of deploying non-lethal ultrasonic acoustic devices in the field to temporarily deter bats from roosting on bridges ahead of construction or maintenance activities; while minimizing harm to bats and non-target species. The technology was evaluated at two test sites in Minnesota; one short-term and one long-term; during the summer of 2019. Considering the findings from both the acoustic monitoring data and the field inspections; acoustic deterrents appeared to effectively work to temporarily deter bats from select abutments. This report presents the field study design; findings from the field implementation; research benefits; and implementation steps for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).