Since the collapse Aug. 1 of the Interstate 35W bridge, all eyes have been on the muddy stretch of the Mississippi River that splits downtown Minneapolis from the University of Minnesota.

Last week, a vision for the future river crossing emerged when Mn/DOT announced it had awarded the contract for building the bridge replacement to Flatiron-Manson.

“We are very pleased to announce this award and get started on this project,” Lt. Gov./Commissioner Carol Molnau said at the news conference on Oct. 8. “Flatiron brings an outstanding reputation to the job and has provided a design that will result in a bridge that fits well in the environment and will serve the driving public for decades.”

Following the contract award, Mn/DOT released the details of the design and construction proposal submitted by the Flatiron-Manson and the FIGG Bridge Engineers, Inc., team.

Highlights of the bridge proposal include:

• Structural enhancements, including the use of high performance concrete to provide superior durability and multiple levels of structural redundancy to provide a long-lasting bridge for the future that will be economical to maintain.
• A state-of-the-art sensor and monitoring system built into the bridge that will allow for easier and more comprehensive monitoring throughout the bridge’s lifetime.
• A comprehensive safety program that will be implemented throughout all aspects of the design and construction process.

“Our top priority is safety—both throughout construction and during the entire life of the bridge,” said Flatiron-Manson project manager Peter Sanderson. “We will bring our expertise and proven safety record to bear on every aspect of this project.”

The design includes a signature bridge with lighting and landscaping that blends in with the architecture of nearby bridges and buildings, such as the historic Stone Arch Bridge and the Guthrie Theater.

“In addition to designing the best and safest bridge, we want to create a bridge that reflects the values of this community,” said Linda Figg, lead designer on the project. “The concept we submitted was designed to complement and highlight the new bridge’s surroundings and properly remember those lost in the tragedy of Aug. 1. We look forward to sharing our ideas with Minnesotans in the coming weeks and getting their input on the final design of this important project.”

Preparation at the site has already begun. In addition, Mn/DOT held three open houses in Minneapolis this week so that the public could view and comment on the design options for the bridge.

“One of the unique aspects of the Flatiron-Manson and FIGG proposal is the extent to which Minnesotans will help shape the final bridge design as well,” said Jon Chiglo, Mn/DOT project manager, including, he said, the lighting, the look of bridge supports and other features.    

The $234 million design-build project is expected to be completed by Dec. 24, 2008.

“We are completely confident about making our deadline,” Sanderson said.

A copy of the Flatiron-Manson and FIGG proposal and other information can be found at www.mndot.gov.

By Lisa Yang

More than a dozen state agencies and organizations, including Mn/DOT, pooled their resources to create a Web site to assist Minnesota commuters and travelers with discovering transportation options for arriving at their destinations easier, faster and more economically.

Called Arrive Minnesota, the initiative launched its new Web site was in September at events held in Duluth, Minneapolis and Willmar.

“At first, we expected that the focus of the project would be limited to a rebranding of Mn/DOT’s carpooling and rideshare initiatives,” said Sarah Lenz, Arrive Minnesota’s Mn/DOT project manager. “We had several ‘visioning’ sessions with our steering committee and realized that we could make it more appealing to a broader base if we promoted information to commuters, plus vacationers and business travelers.”

The Web site includes:

• A clickable map for finding a better ride to work by region and mode of travel
• Links for visitors for destinations and activities in Minnesota
• Links to other transportation organizations and services

“We’re still adding content to the Web site, and we’re asking the users to write in and let us know about handy links,” Lenz said.

Arrive Minnesota will become part of other efforts, such as Rideshare. Commuter fairs and employer outreach programs are some other future events planned to help promote the initiative.

Visit www.ArriveMN.org for more information.

By Kay Korsgaard

The 2007 Tribes and Transportation Conference brought together representatives from Minnesota tribes, Mn/DOT, the Federal Highway Administration, city and county governments and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to share ways that governments can work together to improve transportation on and around Indian reservation land.

Conference attendees learned about tribal sovereignty—the right and ability of a people to determine their own destiny—and tribal culture and how these issues affect transportation planning.

“Understanding tribal culture requires time spent with tribes to fully understand the differences in communication styles and culture,” said Don Wedll, long-range planner for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.

“I could teach calculus faster than I can teach someone how to understand the differences in tribal culture,” he said.

One session focused on transportation funding and changes in SAFETEA-LU that affect transportation funding for tribes. For example, in many cases, tribes may now work directly with the FHWA to request Indian Reservation Road funds, rather than go through the BIA. Tribes may also approve road and bridge plans directly instead of using planning and review services provided by the BIA.

In keeping with the partnership theme, this was the first year that the BIA co-hosted the conference, said Linda Aitken, Mn/DOT’s tribal liaison.

“In previous years, the co-hosts have been the FHWA, Mn/DOT and a Minnesota tribe,” she said. “Because of the close relationship that the tribes have with BIA, the Advocacy Council for Tribal Transportation suggested that the BIA help plan the conference.”

The Advocacy Council for Tribal Transportation was recently established to discuss roadway policy and devise a cohesive plan for roadways on or near Indian reservations. Membership includes representatives from 11 Minnesota tribes, Mn/DOT, the FHWA, BIA, the Michigan Tribal Technical Assistance Program, the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council and Minnesota counties and cities.

“Plans have already started for the next conference,” said Aitken. “The conference has traditionally been held in the fall, but we surveyed attendees of the 2007 conference and found out that a majority of people would prefer a spring conference so the next Tribes and Transportation conference may be in the spring of 2009.”

For more about ACTT and Minnesota Tribes, see the Tribes and Transportation Web site at www.dot.state.mn.us/mntribes. The conference report and copies of presentation materials will also be posted on the Web site.

The conference was held Oct. 9-10 at the Mystic Lake Casino in Shakopee.

By Craig Wilkins

A look at the future of winter highway maintenance came as easily as strolling through the equipment display at the 2007 Fall Maintenance Expo.

The mosaic of brightly colored plows, loaders, lifts and other gear covered nearly an acre of St. Cloud’s public works facility near Hwy 10.

The equipment displayed ranged from new plow configurations to high-tech control systems.

Joystick controllers in many pieces of equipment drew attention, as did a sweeper with wrap-around operator visibility and a hydraulic lift that can raise highway workers more than 90 feet in the air.

The event held Oct. 3-4 in St. Cloud marked the fall expo’s 20th anniversary.

More than 3,000 people attended one or both days of the event, said Tom Tufenk of Maintenance and Security, the event’s coordinator from Mn/DOT.

Away from equipment and vendor displays, participants competed in the snowplow and skid steer competitions or attended workshop sessions on cold-weather safety, working safely in confined spaces and effective use of salt and other de-icing chemicals.

Kathy Schaefer, coordinator of the Circuit Training and Assistance Program, said participants in her class on salt and other road chemicals were more engaged and more aware of salt use and other maintenance issues than in previous years.

“People are finally getting the full significance of the overuse of salt and other de-icers,” Schaefer said.

“Although awareness and concern are increasing, reports from the University of Minnesota show an increasing number of streams showing the effects of excess salt use,” she said.

During an after-class discussion, Schaefer and Ron Schoenborn, an equipment operator for the Red Lake Indian Reservation, reviewed ways how he and his coworkers could apply salt more effectively on their plow routes of 100 miles or longer.

Schoenborn said the reservation’s vast expanse often tempts operators to drive too fast when applying de-icing chemicals. He and Schaefer agreed that the maximum speed should be about 25 miles an hour to prevent the chemicals’ bouncing off the roadway.

They also discussed various de-icers and temperature ranges and other conditions for their most effective use.

“I’m going to share this information with my coworkers and my boss and discuss it further with the Bemidji District workers we often visit with,” he said.

Sharing experiences, insights and knowledge define the fall maintenance expo since it started in 1987.

Phil Erickson, a Metro District bridge maintenance superintendent, said the event’s focus on new equipment, technology and work practices helps him keep up with change and innovations.   

“I learn something new every day,” he said. “If I don’t, then I’m going backwards.”

By Craig Wilkins

Efforts such as the Towards Zero Deaths campaign and other initiatives recently earned Mn/DOT an award for traffic safety leadership from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

Presented Oct. 1, the award for Minnesota cites Mn/DOT and the Department of Public Safety for developing TZD, a long-term vision to reduce fatalities on the state’s highways to zero.

Award criteria included having an effective highway safety improvement plan, working with stakeholders and reducing fatalities or serious injuries during a three-year period.

The TZD program achieved its interim goal to reduce the number of yearly traffic deaths below 500 in 2006 when fatalities dropped to 494. This marked the fewest number of fatalities since the World War II era and established a three-year downward trend in traffic deaths.  

A new goal of reducing traffic fatalities to fewer than 400 by 2010 was set by the TZD Statewide Steering Committee.

The award also recognizes the department’s creation of its first comprehensive highway safety plan in 2004.

“The Minnesota DOT is recognized as a national leader in safety and has made traffic safety the department’s top priority,” said committee Vice Chair Susan Martinovich, director of the Nevada DOT.

AASHTO’s Committee on Highway Traffic Safety also honored the Illinois and Missouri departments of transportation for their accomplishments.

During this year’s open enrollment period employees may change health carriers, add or drop family coverage, make changes to their dental coverage, enroll or increase their long-term disability coverage and enroll in pre-tax accounts.

Employees who do not want to make changes to health and optional coverage do not need to re-enroll. Employees who wish to participate in the pre-tax accounts must enroll every year, even if they are currently participating.

Detailed information about this year’s open enrollment options will be available online at www.doer.state.mn.us/oe/index.htm.

Several meetings will be held throughout the state to explain the process and allow employees to meet with representatives from the insurance carriers.     

To change your options or to re-enroll in pre-tax accounts go to the Employee Self Services Web site: https://www.s4web.state.mn.us/servlets/iclientservlet/employee/?cmd=login.   

By Craig Wilkins

State employees may help their communities, their neighbors and themselves by supporting the 2007 Combined Charities Campaign.

In 2006, contributions from state employees reached nearly $1 million, a strong increase over the previous year.

This year’s campaign seeks enough employee support to top the $1 million mark, said Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau, honorary chair of the 2007 campaign.

This year’s campaign extends from Oct. 1 until Oct. 31.

“I encourage you to pledge now and join with thousands of Minnesota state workers to achieve our contribution goal of one million dollars. Even one or two dollars per paycheck can give someone hope or help improve a community,” Molnau said.

Molnau urges that employees review campaign information, visit the Web site at www.charities.state.mn.us and speak with their worksite campaign coordinators.

Amy Zerwas, Human Resources, and Ron Bisek, Regional Transportation Management Center , serve as Central Office co-chairs for this year’s campaign.

Each district also has a charity drive chair.

“This is the year for us to top $1 million,” Bisek said. “Many of the agencies we support provided essential relief for the several disasters we have suffered this year; this is our chance to help them in turn.”

Contributions are made through the Employee Self Services Web site at https://www.s4web.state.mn.us/servlets/iclientservlet/employee/?cmd=login.   

In addition to making online pledges, employees in the Central Office area may also donate or purchase books, DVD or VHS movies, and CDs at a Combined Charities Used Book Sale, to be held Oct. 24-25. Donations will be accepted until Oct. 22 at the Legislative Reference Library, Room 645 in the State Office Building, or the Chief Clerk’s Office, Room 211 in the Capitol.

“The state employee Combined Charity Campaign is a grassroots effort to care for all the citizens of this great state,” Molnau said. “We can all take pride in knowing that we do make a difference in people’s lives through the charities we support. By working and investing together, we can ensure a brighter tomorrow for all Minnesotans.”

The flu shot and nasal spray flu vaccine will be available to state employees with no out-of-pocket costs upon presentation of their Minnesota Advantage Health Plan card at workplace clinics during October and November.

Clinics are scheduled for several Mn/DOT locations but employees may attend any available state agency flu vaccination clinic except for those held at correctional facilities. Mn/DOT employees who attend a workplace clinic at another state agency may have to check-in at security or information area.

All workplace clinics for state employees are on a “walk-in” basis.

• Statewide list of clinics: http://www.doer.state.mn.us/ei-sehpp/flu/allclinics.asp
• More information about the flu vaccine: http://www.doer.state.mn.us/ei-sehpp/flu/Flu.htm