MnDOT Announces Transportation Research Projects for 2026





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Transportation Research Update
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New Research Projects to Explore Current Challenges in Transportation

Observed operating speeds often diverge from target speeds. To better inform practical design, a data-driven machine learning approach can facilitate learning via quantitative mapping from observable design elements and actual operating speeds.

MnDOT and the Local Road Research Board (LRRB) have funded 28 new research projects [ [link removed] ] out of 128 proposals submitted this year.  Every MnDOT and LRRB project is guided by a Technical Advisory Panel (TAP), with each member serving an important role in the success of the project. MnDOT and LRRB are actively seeking volunteers to serve as Technical Advisory Panel [ [link removed] ] members. TAP members will help with guiding research and reviewing final project deliverables.

Researchers are addressing transportation challenges, such as:


* Resistances and Associated Pile Lengths of Non-Displacement Piles Using Static Analysis Methods [ [link removed] ]
* Characterization, Functional Longevity, and Performance of Natural Textiles Configured as Sediment Control [ [link removed] ]
* Improved Calibration Process for Pavement Distress Collection and Automated Processing Used by MnDOT [ [link removed] ]
* Mapping Heat Vulnerability: A Comparative Urban-Rural Study of Transportation Impacts [ [link removed] ]

“This last year yielded our greatest number of transportation research project submissions to date, making it a highly competitive year,” said Brent Rusco, program manager, MnDOT Office of Research & Innovation. “Our process ensured the thorough evaluation of many high-quality proposals, and we selected projects to fund that address the highest priority research needs on a broad range of topics. We value all contributors to this process, including university researchers, subject matter experts representing MnDOT, city, and county needs, the Research Steering Committee, and the Local Road Research Board.”

Each spring, the MnDOT Research Steering Committee [ [link removed] ] and the Minnesota Local Road Research Board [ [link removed] ] solicit research ideas from transportation practitioners and later request proposals from universities. In December, the governing research boards meet to hear these proposals and select projects for funding. To receive updates on any of the funded projects, select “subscribe” on the project webpage. To volunteer for a project advisory team, contact David Glyer <[email protected]>.

Have an idea for MnDOT's next funding cycle? Ideas are due April 1, 2026 for next year's projects. Visit IdeaScale  [ [link removed] ]to submit your idea.

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