Transportation Systems Management and Operations

The use of technology can improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the state’s transportation network. This plan will include a prioritization of technology solutions such as cameras, electronic message signs, and fiber communications. The plan will also consider funding gaps and staffing needs to maintain, operate, and replace both existing and future systems.

The Signal Operations tactical plan will focus on the operations of traffic signals at intersection. The plan will identify needs to maintain and enhance our existing traffic signal systems. This may include life cycle replacements of signal equipment and control software. Improvements at signals will include all transportation users including bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit. Emerging technology considerations such as integrated corridor management and future needs for connected and automated vehicles will also be considered.

Traveler information lets the public know about disruptions that may cause delays or close roadways. This plan will identify improvements to MnDOT's 511 Traveler Information System. New solutions to how traveler information data is collected will be explored. It will also look at how information is shared with third-party mapping applications and websites.

MnDOT operational staff respond to weather conditions that effect travel on state highways. This can include summer flooding due to heavy rain or winter events that cause adverse road conditions. This plan will look at strategies to improve how MnDOT manages weather events that can affect travel.   Winter strategies may include installing road weather information system (RWIS) stations for monitoring winter weather conditions.  It can also include using snow fence to reduce the hazards of blowing snow.  In summer months, strategies may include the use of technology to monitor flood prone areas or electronic message signs to warn motorists of roads closed due to flooding.

Traffic Incident Management, or TIM, is a coordinated effort by all responders to improve safety and reduce delays. TIM strategies can improve safety for responders, victims in a crash, and motorists approaching the scene.  MnDOT and the Department of Public Safety have developed a statewide TIM plan for Minnesota.  This plan will identify needs for MnDOT to support the statewide TIM plan. It may include equipment and staffing needs to support a TIM program. The plan will consider expansion of the Freeway Incident Response Safety Team (FIRST) and enhancing MnDOT Maintenance role in incident response.

Find more information about the Minnesota TIM Program.

Safety in our highway works zones is imperative for both the public and for workers.  This plan will focus on improving safety and mobility in work zones through coordination, use of technology, and sharing of work zone data. Through coordination, the plan will look at how MnDOT coordinates multiple work zones in a region. The plan will develop guidance on when to use technology like stopped traffic ahead warning signs or how to better capture data from the field through intelligent devices. Lastly, this plan together with the Traveler Information tactical plan, will look at how work zone information can be shared via 511 and with other third-party mapping applications.

Connected and automated vehicles (CAV) will be part of Minnesota’s transportation future. Basic levels of CAV technology are already on Minnesota roadways. However, vehicles that are fully automated in all settings are still years away. Infrastructure needed to support connected vehicles – such as fiber optic cable, sensor networks and smart traffic signals – is either already in use or currently being tested.

Preparing for CAV technology is necessary as Minnesota replaces aging transportation infrastructure. Active planning for CAV will help Minnesota be smart about when to make which types of infrastructure investments. Since CAV will likely roll out gradually, it is important for roadway authorities in Minnesota to build and maintain infrastructure that benefits human drivers and CAV.  The CAV tactical plan will prioritize projects that provide value to today’s transportation system and that are expected to continue to be valuable in the future.  

Find more information about MnDOT's CAV program.