Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and other state DOTs periodically carry out studies to assess how highway construction and maintenance (HCM) expenditures ought to be attributed to various vehicle classes. In parallel, each vehicle-class' contribution to revenues from fuel and excise taxes and permit fees are calculated. Although, the latter are determined by the state legislature, the cost-to-revenue ratio helps inform MnDOT if changes to policy could be justified. A variety of methods have been developed to apportion HCM costs to different user classes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate pros and cons of different HCA methods and to identify/develop a methodology best suited for conditions in Minnesota. Researchers also carried out a highway cost allocation study (HCAS) using the latest data from Minnesota. In addition, the methodology developed in this project can be used to evaluate damage costs to the road system from permitting more than 80,000-lb gross vehicle weight trucks on Minnesota roads and the users' willingness to pay for such permits.
Members of the Local Road Research Board are seeking basic data about the oversize/overweight (OSOW) permit fee policies of counties in Minnesota and in other states. To gather this information, a brief online survey was distributed to members of the Minnesota County Engineers Association and the National Association of County Engineers. Additional information about agency practices was acquired through follow-up research and contacts to selected survey respondents. This Transportation Research Synthesis presents results of the online survey and the limited follow-up investigation.
Selected state departments of transportation and other state agencies were surveyed about their oversize/overweight (OSOW) permit fee structures; the statutory basis, purpose and allocation of permit fees; the state's level of engagement with local agencies; and special policies associated with the movement of OSOW loads. This Transportation Research Synthesis presents the findings of that survey along with statutory references and other resources provided by survey respondents.
MnDOT's Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations (OFCVO) is preparing to develop a scope of work to design and implement new online systems. To inform the review of system alternatives, selected state departments of transportation and other state agencies received a survey that examined the agencies' systems and practices for online issuance and management of OS/OW permits and motor carrier credentials. This Transportation Research Synthesis provides the findings of that survey along with the results of a limited literature search.
This Technical Summary pertains to Report 2012-14, “Highway Cost Allocation and Determination of Heavy Freight Truck Permit Fees,” published July 2012.
One of the most important processes in an access management program is the permitting process. Transportation agencies are responsible for managing the use of their existing infrastructure and issue permits for permanent and temporary access to the roadway. Permits for public road usage are issued for overweight and over dimensional vehicles, parades, utility work on the right-of-way, ditching, harvesting of hay, and access of private and public property via a driveway or street intersection. This report focuses on the access permit. Most cities, counties, and the state have a permit system for access to their roadways. This chapter summarizes research which has been completed within the state regarding the access permit process and provides a set of findings and recommended practices for use by transportation agencies.
