Current and recent projects and studies
District Freight Planning (Ongoing)
The District Freight Plans will outline how MnDOT Districts and public- and private-sector freight stakeholders should move forward in freight planning, investment and operations. The intent is to leverage, validate and expand on existing studies and plans with current data analysis in order to identify priorities for freight within the District.
Weight Enforcement Investment Plan (Summer 2018)
The Weight Enforcement Investment Plan is a joint effort between MnDOT and the Minnesota State Patrol to develop a statewide 10 year plan of capital, operational and safety investments to ensure the safety of motorists and truckers across the state. The plan will inform future investments to carry out the commercial vehicle weight and safety program. This planning effort is currently in progress and outreach meetings have been held in each MnDOT District and region of the state with a variety of stakeholders. The overall focus of this effort is on physical infrastructure, staffing and maintenance. This effort does not specifically address commercial vehicle regulations.
Minnesota Statewide Freight System Plan Home Page (January 2018)
The 2016 Minnesota Statewide Freight System Plan provides a policy framework and strategies for MnDOT, the Minnesota Freight Advisory Committee (MFAC) and other freight stakeholders to guide planning and investment in various transportation modes. Additionally, a Freight Investment Plan has been developed and will be added to the system plan to meet Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act requirements. A draft Freight Investment Plan is available for comment.
2015 Statewide Rail Plan Update (Fall 2015)
Now in process for its legislatively mandated five-year update, the Minnesota State Rail Plan will provide an overall vision for effective use of the state’s freight and passenger rail network and its future development.
The plan will identify priority rail corridors, programs, and projects that offer effective improvements or expansion for passenger and freight travel in and out of Minnesota.
Truck Parking Availability System Study (Spring 2015)
This project developed and demonstrated an automated truck stop management system that can determine the number of occupied parking spaces at Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) safety rest areas. The system uses a network of cameras to monitor parking availability at truck stops, automatically identifying available spaces in real time.
Statewide Ports and Waterways Plan (September 2014)
The Statewide Ports and Waterways Plan lays out the ports and waterways system's historical development and current state; describes the system's economic benefit and financial support, along with current and future opportunities and challenges; and presents several strategies designed to preserve and enhance Minnesota's ports and waterways system.
Manufacturers' Perspectives on Minnesota's Transportation System (Ongoing)
Since 2013, MnDOT has been interviewing Minnesota businesses to get feedback and better understand their specific freight transportation requirements. The Metro District and District 6 Manufacturers' Perspectives projects are now underway in Minnesota.
Visit the website for more information and to see the completed projects.