A task force composed of personnel from the Offices of Bridges and Structures, Materials, Research and Standards has reviewed and analyzed existing procedures for protection of bridge decks.
The objectives of the task force were:
1. To develop policy for installation of protective systems on new bridge decks.
2. To develop policy for establishing priorities and selecting methods for contract restoration and protection of in-service bridge decks.
3. To develop policy for systematic maintenance utilizing M.H.D. forces, for the preservation of in-service bridge decks which are not being considered for contract restoration.
The objectives were set to protect the bridge deck investment in a cost-effective manner and within budget limitations.
This prospectus outlines the need for and nature of a system of freeway surveillance and control for the St. Paul-Minneapolis Metropolitan Area. Information is presented on the transportation trends in the Metropolitan Area showing heavy reliance on highway vehicular travel and indicating that capacity deficiencies will exit. The role that freeway surveillance and control may play in the development of a total transportation system is presented. Also included is information on the cost-effectiveness of various urban transportation modes.
The long-range plans and a description of the ultimate system are outlined along with a plan of implementation to develop the system in an organized manner.
In the past, the major determinant for spring load restrictions was the tested strength of the road. Since trucks are the stressing fraction of the traffic, and they will vary in volume from nearly nothing to many thousand trucks per day, this major aspect must be taken into account. Other diagnostic techniques developed recently (and are in common usage) can be used to aid the establishment of spring axle load.
The removal of snow and ice from our roadways has had considerable discussion as to proper procedures for several years. In the past, the traveling public expected some delays in snow and ice removal, but now, the "bare pavement" is expected or rather demanded shortly after any storm.
The transportation system is an extremely important cog in our economy. Timetables must be met; getting to work on time and meeting equipment and material deadlines are major factors of this timetable.
To ensure effective and efficient snow and ice removal and preserve the ecology of the area, a well arranged plan must be developed to provide such service.
The removal of snow and ice from our roadways has had considerable discussion as to proper procedures for several years. In the past, the traveling public expected some delays in snow and ice removal, but now, the "bare pavement" is expected or rather demanded shortly after any storm.
The transportation system is an extremely important cog in our economy. Timetables must be met; getting to work on time and meeting equipment and material deadlines are major factors of this timetable.
To ensure effective and efficient snow and ice removal and preserve the ecology of the area, a well arranged plan must be developed to provide such service.
The Traffic Engineering Section of the Minnesota Highway Department undertook a three-fold study to determine (1) the extent of nonconformity with the new standards of the existing traffic control devices on the trunk highway system, (2) the estimated cost to bring all devices into conformity with the new standards, and (3) a program or schedule for modernization to achieve complete compliance with the new standards by the end of 1966.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect the lateral restriction imposed by a snow fence used to enclose a construction area had on traffic flow, highway capacity, and accident experience.
The construction zone studied was on I-494 in suburban Bloomington and Richfield from T.H. 100 to the east junction of T.H. 5.
This study included the time period from June 2, 1965 to November 12, 1965.
The 1969 Legislature of the State of Minnesota under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 169.72, directed the Commissioner of Highways to conduct an in-depth study on the safety and pavement-wear effects of studded tires. This is a report on the progress of that study and is prepared for preliminary use by the Legislature when it convenes in January, 1971. The final report is expected to be available by April 1, 1971. The findings in this report, therefore, must be considered tentative pending completion of the study.
Quality standards for maintenance operations have been developed to promote statewide uniformity in maintaining the Interstate and trunk highway system. The standards prescribe levels of service for the maintenance of roadway surfaces and shoulders, roadsides, drainage facilities and structures, snow and ice control and traffic services operations.
There is a need to scrutinize the Department's construction engineering practices. The need arises not because the quality of construction on trunk highway projects is deteriorating but because new developments show promise of either maintaining or improving quality by the application of faster techniques requiring less manpower. Thus, there is a potential for reducing construction engineering costs and at least solving in part the seasonal manpower problem. The area of quality itself needs careful examination to delineate and to separate those quality-control functions belonging to the Contractor and quality- assurance responsibilities belonging to the State. Finally, there appears to be an opportunity to develop a new order of construction engineering practice promising considerable benefit to the Department. Succinctly stated, the objective is to critically examine current practices, including manpower devoted to construction engineering functions, and determine whether changes can be implemented that will reduce costs and improve efficiency without sacrificing construction quality.
