Minnesota Department of Transportation

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Research & Innovation

About us

The MnDOT Office of Research & Innovation helps solve transportation problems by administering research projects for MnDOT and the Minnesota Local Road Research Board.

We serve as a resource for MnDOT staff as well as city and county engineers, kick-starting research and shepherding projects to completion. At any given time, our staff manages approximately 190 research projects in progress, ranging from local initiatives to pooled-fund projects with other states, comprising both basic and applied research.

Helpful information

MnDOT research

MnDOT Library

The MnDOT Library has been recognized throughout the transportation community as a leader in using innovative techniques and technologies to improve access to transportation information for more than 50 years.

MnROAD

MnROAD is MnDOT's unique, state-of-the-art pavement research facility.

Materials and Road Research

The Office of Materials and Road Research conducts research and provides technical assistance to MnDOT staff to advance the state of the practice of pavement design, construction and maintenance.

Maintenance

The Office of Maintenance supports a variety of "on-the-road" research projects designed to spur innovations in maintaining state highways.

Traffic Engineering

The Office of Traffic Engineering supports research directly related to its mission of increasing the safety of our roadways.

MnDOT transportation pooled fund projects

Solicitations and studies from MnDOT in its continued practice of the Transportation Fooled Fund program.

Local partners

Minnesota Local Road Research Board (LRRB)

Established in 1959 through state legislation, the Minnesota Local Road Research Board (LRRB) has sponsored more than 200 individual research projects over the last 15 years. Current LRRB-funded research falls primarily into the following categories: design, construction, maintenance/operations, environmental compatibility, administration, and implementation.

Center for Transportation Studies (CTS)

The Center for Transportation Studies solves old transportation problems in innovative new ways. The Center convenes diverse communities to brainstorm, debate, share, learn, and act. And CTS partners with local and global transportation professionals, stakeholders, businesses, and leaders to move new ideas from research to reality.