Using Advanced Traffic Simulation Technology for Construction Staging and Maintenance of Traffic

By Do Nam, Sr. Traffic Operations Engineer, WSB

Construction operations on roadways disrupt normal traffic flow and generate undesirable delay. As traffic continues to increase throughout many metro areas, the Federal Highway Administration has been encouraging DOTs to be more proactive in their maintenance of traffic during construction. 

Good construction staging provides safe and efficient traffic operations throughout a project to minimize impacts on the community during construction. WSB has begun development of traffic models that simulate the flow of traffic under different staging scenarios. These traffic simulation models consider all available routes, how construction will impact these routes and how much additional time this will add for commuters. These models are being used to determine if there are improvements that need to be made on any surrounding routes to allow for better operations throughout construction.

This new approach is more proactive than past construction staging methods and is based upon data. By modeling actual construction conditions, we’re able to pinpoint where potential challenges may occur during construction and how to avoid them. Below is a list of potential benefits of construction staging and maintenance of traffic modeling using traffic simulation.

The benefits of advanced traffic simulation for construction staging and maintenance of traffic

  1. By understanding what the impacts to the community are, we can be more proactive in mitigating them.
  2. If we better understand what routes traffic will use, we can ensure that traffic controls are set up to accommodate additional traffic volumes.
  3. Limit changes can be evaluated.
  4. Informs decisions on critical maintenance items.
  5. Provides a public engagement tool for cities and residents.

Through advanced traffic simulation technology, we’ve been able to enhance construction staging plans resulting in better projects.

Do has been a civil engineer in the transportation field for over 25 years. His experience includes modeling, operational analysis, design and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) of large-scale transportation projects in both the United States and Qatar. Do has successfully managed over 30 major transportation and research projects utilizing traditional macroscopic travel demand forecasting modeling and state-of-the-art microscopic traffic simulation modeling techniques.

[email protected] | 763.760.8090

Using 4D/5D to Mitigate Risk and Identify Project Opportunity

By Kelsey Peterson, Graduate Engineer, WSB

4D/5D modeling is intended to improve the accuracy and efficiency of projects. It has applications throughout the project life-cycle, from preliminary design to project close-out with the contractor. Learn more about some of the ways incorporating into your project and improve your projects overall success.

4D models help mitigate project risk by visualizing project conflicts that are not easily identified in traditional Gantt style bar charts. A 3D model linked to a project schedule provides the project team the opportunity to identify and mitigate project staging, utility, and discipline conflicts by providing a visual of how construction will play out as a function of time. It also provides a visual of project opportunities, allowing the project team to reschedule activities that may be better sequenced to reduce construction delays and cost, as well as redesign the 3D model to include missing design elements that would otherwise delay construction. Project time and cost savings are the direct result of using the 4D model to identify and mitigate project risks early on in construction.

The 4D/5D models provide a level of transparency that encourages coordination between project team members, creating team accountability through clear vision of project construction. The 4D/5D model is used to bring project conflicts to the surface and create the opportunity for project team members (owner, contractor, engineer, and project stakeholders) to resolve challenges in a collaborative environment.

4D/5D modeling enhances project coordination by allowing new project team members and stakeholders be brought up to speed quickly on the design and staging of the project. This greatly enhances project communication relative to the use of a traditional Gantt style activity chart. It also provides the opportunity for developing staff to become familiar with a project that may, historically, have been easier for a more senior staff member to visualize. The 4D/5D model allows the project team to develop and review a safety plan visually and highlight construction activities where accidents and risks can be reduced prior to the activity occurring on the project.

By incorporating 4D/5D modeling, your projects will run more smoothly and efficiently. It allows you to mitigate risk though the application of a timeline to the overall plan creating greater vision and improve efficiency by encouraging team work and increasing overall project vision. Contact us for more information how modeling can be applied to your projects.

Kelsey, a graduate engineer with WSB, successfully balances the needs of different modal users, property owners, and environmental constraints. She is known for her attention to detail and innovative solutions to complex designs.

[email protected] | 612.709.4897

MnDNR expected to grant $4 million to improve access to parks, lakes, rivers & trails

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting grant applications for local roadway improvement projects that benefit outdoor recreation and open spaces. The DNR has allocated $4 million to the State Park Road Account Program to improve both public and private access to parks, trails, lakes and rivers. 

A few key things to know about this grant program:

  • Townships, cities and county governments can apply
  • Focused on enhancing county roadway access to state parks, trails, wilderness areas and recreation facilities
  • Consideration is also given to projects that address safety issues to these facilities
  • Local cost sharing and amount of traffic directly related to the site are key selection criteria
  • Roadway construction, right-of-way acquisition and wetland mitigation are eligible activities
  • Applications are due November 1, 2020.

WSB is experienced in assisting, preparing and reviewing project grant applications. In 2019, this program provided $4.8 million in state grants for 10 different projects around the state. This annual program has also funded more than $1 million of campground road improvements for Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. WSB led the roadway design and construction for this project, which is now underway.  

For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Transportation website or contact Scott Mareck at 320.534.5948 or [email protected].

Bret Weiss, WSB president & CEO, appointed to Governor’s Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles

Bret Weiss, WSB president & CEO, was appointed to the Governor’s Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles. Formed in 2019, the Council studies, prepares and assesses the opportunities and challenges associated with the widespread adoption of connected and automated vehicles and other intelligent and emerging transportation technologies.

Weiss joins 13 appointed members, twenty ex-officio members and co-chairs Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) commissioner and VSI Labs President, Phil Magney. Each appointed member must have relevant experience in the automotive industry, technology, cybersecurity and data privacy, business and finance, transit, higher education, workforce training, insurance, mobility, freight, labor, public safety, bicycle and pedestrian advocacy, elder care, or tort liability.

“I am thrilled to join such an esteemed group of innovators and trailblazers that will help advance Minnesota’s connected and autonomous vehicle efforts,” said Weiss. “The future of intelligent transportation systems is much closer than we think. As a state, we’re at the forefront of developing strategic solutions that will only help strengthen Minnesota’s infrastructure.”

Weiss’ experience with infrastructure-related engineering and transit systems will assist the Council as they work together to review connected and automated vehicle development and trends, explore partnership opportunities, propose policies to safely test and deploy connected and automated vehicles and consult with communities experiencing transportation barriers.

As a firm, WSB has partnered with MnDOT on several initiatives related to connected and automated vehicles including the current CAV Strategic Communications, Engagement, and Relationship Building Framework Plan, the Minnesota CAV Strategic Plan and the 2017/2018 testing of connected and automated vehicles in winter conditions.

Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan announced the appointments in a press release earlier this month. The full announcement is available at https://mn.gov/governor/news/?id=1055-442968.

Warning: Sharp Curves Ahead

By Andrew Plowman, Director of Transportation Design, WSB

Exploring the why behind the twists and turns of road design.

Throughout the COVID-19 era, many Americans have opted out of air travel and are instead packing up their cars and hitting the road for an old-fashioned road trip. A survey conducted by Farmers Insurance found that more than 60% of people are planning to travel by car or RV over the next few months.  But as we weave and wind our way through the mountains or travel over the hilly plains, our minds can wander into the why behind the infrastructure that’s bringing us to our destination. We ask, why do roads curve?

There may seem like there is no rhyme or reason to the sharp curves or slight turns along interstates or highways, but there are many reasons roadways curve.

Right of Way

If you’re a rancher, you certainly wouldn’t want a highway slicing down the center of your land. In many cases, Right of Way causes a road to curve around a piece of property rather than through.

Subgrade Conditions

The subgrade is the existing soil located below the pavement and aggregate layer of the roadway.  At times, the existing subgrade is made up of organic material or clays that will continue to settle. As the roadway settles it can crack causing damage over time. Rather than dig very deep to remove this material, a roadway alignment may curve out of the way to miss the bad soil conditions.

Profile Considerations

Profile considerations become increasingly important in states where roads need to climb to different elevations.  To maintain a grade that isn’t too steep, a road will curve from Point A to Point B to gain distance which flattens the slope. 

There are many reasons a road may curve that extend beyond this list. The technical aspects of roadway design are vast. As you make your way to your next destination, see if you can spot the reason a road may curve.

Andrew is a transportation project manager and lead design engineer with over 17 years of experience who has designed more than 80 roundabouts. He is involved in all aspects of roundabout design, including geometrics, traffic operations, staging, and adhering to ADA standards. He has educated communities on the benefits of roundabouts and their safety for managing traffic. Andrew has also shared his professional knowledge nationally at international roundabout conferences.

[email protected] | 763.287.7149

Play along with WSB | Road Trip BINGO

Play along with WSB | Road Trip BINGO

Is your family hitting the road this summer? Learn about the places, spaces and systems that support our lives along the way. Public infrastructure is all around us, so much that sometimes we don’t realize the impact that it has on our communities. View our printable BINGO cards below and try your hand at filling your card. Keep your eyes peeled! Some infrastructure is above and below us.

CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE BINGO CARDS

10 benefits of having an experienced right of way professional on your project

By Penny Rolf, Director of Right of Way, WSB

​Enlisting the help of a licensed right of way professional to manage planning, design and land acquisition processes can keep project development moving forward. Right of way experts bring the knowledge and understanding to ensure each phase of development remains in compliance with federal and state regulations. Reviewing current regulations and keeping clients informed can prevent costly schedule delays and contractual or legal issues. Identifying opportunities for grant funding, meeting with property owners to review title information and streamlined data management are ways right of way staff can support project deliverables. Through building strong partnerships and communicating important updates throughout development, they ensure a compliant, equitable approach to navigate the complexities of any right of way project.

Here are ten reasons why you should have an experienced right of way professional on your team.

  1. Team player from start to finish
  2. Thorough understanding of federal and state-level regulations for land acquisition and project funding
  3. Expertise of the right of way industry, planning, design and property owner management
  4. Experience in preparing minimum damage acquisition reports (MDA) – an alternative to the standard appraisal process
  5. Preparation of field title reports to verify ownership interests and identify design issues and owner concerns related to the impacts on the property: small design changes during this time can alleviate several owner issues or concerns
  6. Leveraging technology via Datafi software to manage data in the office and field
  7. Providing relocation services for residential and non-residential owners and tenants
  8. Acquiring right of way for:
    • Road and trail projects for cities, counties and Departments of Transportation
    • Utility easements for high voltage electric transmission lines, pipeline, sanitary sewer, and drainage
    • Renewable energy easements for solar gardens and wind farms
  9. Obtaining crossing permits for county and state roadways, trails, utility projects and railroads
  10. Communication experts who will facilitate building strong partnerships with property owners to ensure an equitable process while keeping the project on time and on budget

Penny has over 29 years of real estate experience and 21 years providing project management, relocation services and right of way acquisition for MnDOT, WisDOT and many city and county clients in Minnesota and North Dakota. Penny values cultivating trust and understanding with property owners to ensure settlement negotiations are legally compliant and equitable for all parties involved. She is a licensed broker in Minnesota, Iowa and North and South Dakota. Penny is a certified IRWA CLIMB instructor for both acquisition and relocation courses. 

[email protected] / 763.231.4868

WSB Selected to Design TH 169, Rebuilding Gateway to Greater Minnesota

WSB is thrilled to partner with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to provide final roadway and bridge design services for the Highway 169 (TH 169) Reconstruction Project.

TH 169 is a significant north-south highway in Minnesota. It serves rapidly developing communities and is a gateway to exploring recreational areas in Greater Minnesota. The highway is heavily traveled by both vehicles and pedestrians. Expanding the highway is intended to improve safety and reduce the average rate of collisions in the area.

Jody Martinson, vice president of transportation at WSB, anticipates this project will have a lasting impact and looks forward to delivering a safer commute for surrounding communities.

“This project is incredibly important to users of the TH 169 corridor,” said Martinson. “Being able to work side-by-side with MnDOT to improve the safety and mobility for motorists and pedestrians is extremely gratifying. WSB is excited to utilize technology and innovative solutions to improve the efficiency of design and construction.”

The reconstruction will address operational, infrastructure and mobility issues, all important elements considered when the project was selected for the Corridors of Commerce (CoC) program. The project will replace four signalized intersections with interchanges and consolidate access points, drastically improving safety and mobility. Local roadways will be reconstructed to create ADA accessible routes at the interchanges. The TH 169 project is expected to reduce roadway delay by more than 1,000 hours per day, eliminate $1.7 million in annual crash costs, and provide more reliable travel times for the public.

The project is also a CMGC project. As a CMGC (Construction Manager/General Contractor), the process will involve several stakeholders and team members throughout the design and construction process. The project will also require strong coordination and communication with MnDOT. Project manager, Peter Muehlbach formed an expert team to ensure the CMGC process is efficient, effective and economical for reconstruction.

“When fully utilized, the CMGC design process allows for a more collaborative work environment between designer and contractor,” said Muehlbach. “I am excited for the opportunity to make design decisions together with our MnDOT, Sherburne County, city of Elk River and Ames Construction partners.”

Additionally, the project team will leverage state-of-the-art and emerging technologies to provide sustainable solutions during the design phase. By utilizing modeling tools, WSB will streamline construction management, drainage and utility relocation processes.

Planning for the TH 169 Reconstruction Project is underway with final design set to begin this summer. Phased construction will begin in fall 2022 with project completion set for 2024.

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