Robinson, Ferrol O.

This research examines the extent of traffic calming activity in Minnesota and the degree of actual and perceived success of such projects. Traffic calming activities, which range from traditional actions such as tum prohibitions and stop signs to changes in roadway width and appearance, have gained popularity as neighborhoods attempt to reduce traffic, reduce speeds, and create a safer and more attractive street environment. The research objectives included determining how widespread traffic calming activities have become in the state; determining whether implemented traffic calming strategies have achieved their purposes; and determining whether proposed design changes are compatible with local and state design standards, and--if they are not--to suggest guidelines for future applications. A comprehensive survey was sent to cities, counties, and agencies. Fifty-three percent responded and identified 67 projects, both implemented and planned. The great majority of respondents report satisfaction with project results. However, quantitative information--in the form of before-and-after data--in support of these results is limited. Perceived results, while positive, do not always reflect the achievement of the initial project objectives. A handful of projects are being considered for implementation on minor arterials, which are designed to carry higher volumes of traffic, at higher speeds, than neighborhood streets and collectors. It is on these roads, primarily, where the objectives of traffic calming can conflict with the function of the roadway and its design elements.

The estimation of future year traffic volumes is a key component in the overall process of designing roadways. Reliable traffic projections are required to estimate construction needs and to develop cost estimates. Methods used by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) to project future year traffic volumes have been found to be statistically unreliable. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the procedure used by Mn/DOT, to examine and evaluate other available methods, and to develop a more reliable and accurate method to project traffic volumes

Highway funding in the United States has traditionally been done through user fees, most notably motor vehicle fuel taxes. However, there are growing concerns among some policymakers that fuel taxes are no longer adequate, sustainable, efficient, or equitable. Entities in the United States and abroad have conducted pilot projects or implemented mileage-based fees, including several specifically designed for heavy trucks. There are two major concerns related to truck travel: (1) heavy trucks consume a great deal of roadway capacity due to their size, operating characteristics, and annual miles traveled; and (2) roadway wear and tear caused by the combination of truck mileage and heavy loads is significant and disproportionate to the number of trucks on the road. The concept of mileage-based user fees has seen increasing support from a number of groups in recent years; however, it faces opposition from many in the general public and from the trucking industry. This paper is part of a larger effort exploring the benefits to the freight industry of mileage-based user fees, while highlighting industry concerns over its implementation.

This report discusses the potential benefits and perceived impediments to implementing an automated rapid transit (ART) system in the Twin Cities and Minnesota. The report also briefly reviews the status of ART applications, also referred to as personal rapid transit (PRT), in the United States and abroad. Finally, the report evaluates the potential ability of ART to promote the policy goal of creating efficient development, livable communities, and work opportunities through a variety of relevant strategies. The report concludes that an ART feasibility study is needed to provide more definitive answers to issues and questions raised about ART, and it provides the rationale for funding such a study, as well as an outline of the elements of the feasibility analysis.

This research project investigates the status of personal rapid transit (PRT) applications in airport environments, to understand the characteristics and attributes of these systems, to explore the viability of a PRT system in the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, and to prepare a synthesis report and presentation that document the project's findings.