Mid-Continent Research carried out a survey of 600 Twin Cities area commuters in early 1986 for the Minnesota Department of
Transportation. Results of this survey were instrumental in the formation of Department policies on construction contracts. Efforts to inform motorists of traffic delays were publicized and are believed to have lessened public discontent.
The Department asked Mid-Continent Research to replicate the survey in early 1987 in order to evaluate the previous year's program. An additional objective of this survey was to aid in planning for the coming 1987 construction season.
Highway construction and repair can often create significant difficulties for motorists and law enforcement officials. Traffic delays and inconveniences inevitably accompany highway repair, especially when major work occurs on the Interstates.
Work on Interstate 35W through Minneapolis this summer was marked by such difficulties. Because major repairs are planned in the future for other principal arteries such as Interstate 94, the Department of Transportation desires public input on how to better manage the inescapable inconveniences to motorists.
To this end, the Department requested that Mid-Continent Research conduct an attitude survey among commuting drivers in the Metropolitan area. Specific objectives of the survey were:
- To study the incidence and nature of the inconveniences caused by road construction
- To evaluate possible means of making construction more convenient to motorists
- To determine preferences for alternative strategies—e.g. save money or save time
