Friday, September 6, 2013

MnDOT receives federal stimulus grant


ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation will receive a $1.45 million federal grant for the installation of conflict warning systems at 15 rural, stop-controlled intersections across the state.

The funding comes from the Transportation Investment Generating Recovery, or TIGER, program, which is part of a federal economic stimulus package administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The warning systems will inform motorists of intersection conflicts ahead to help them to better judge gaps in traffic. This project is the result of an extensive planning effort and is part of Minnesota’s Toward Zero Deaths safety program.

“Intersection conflict warning systems have the potential to significantly reduce collisions and improve safety at rural intersections,” said Sue Mulvihill, MnDOT deputy commissioner and chief engineer. “Based on the average daily traffic at these intersections, drivers and passengers in more than 80,000 vehicles will experience the added safety and security offered by these systems on a daily basis.

          
“This innovative system provides a safe and affordable alternative to traditional traffic safety improvements,” she said.

For more information about rural intersection conflict warning systems, see mndot.gov/trafficeng/signals/conflictwarning.html. They are one of many ways that MnDOT is using intelligent transportation systems to improve safety on Minnesota’s highways. For more information on Minnesota’s ITS program visit mndot.gov/guidestar/.

In addition to MnDOT’s award, the Duluth Seaway Port Authority will receive $10 million in TIGER funds to rebuild and expand a general cargo dock and also will fund improvements to existing road and train connections.

Minnesota’s two awards were among $474 million in TIGER grants awarded to 52 projects in 37 states. For more information, see www.dot.gov/tiger/.