Travelers in Minnesota now have an improved view of all construction, maintenance and traffic incidents that affect their trips in the state.

Mn/DOT’s statewide travel information Web site, 511mn.org, has been upgraded and now includes an easier way to learn about future construction and maintenance projects.

The new Google-based site map is scrollable and will allow users to see map, satellite and hybrid views of the information.

“Better and clearer information will help motorists make plans to avoid delays and spend less time in traffic,” said Todd Kramascz, 511 Project manager and Metro District communications director. “This new site is the next generation of real-time traveler information.”

The site also allows users to choose between route-specific reports or a general map view. A scrolling banner highlights traffic incidents at a glance and a zoom tool allows viewers to enlarge or reduce map size.

The current low-bandwidth 511 site will remain accessible and available for motorists who seek real-time information but use a dial-up Internet connection. There is also a mobile device option.

Twitter included

Mn/DOT’s new Twitter site, www.twitter.com/mndottraffic, links directly from the 511 Web site and will provide “tweets” about roadwork and lane closures, open houses, Web site links to important projects and initiatives and real-time traffic updates for motorists in the Twin Cities metro area.

“Twitter is another tool for motorists to receive the latest Mn/DOT updates and news in real time,” said Kramascz.

Planned future enhancements to the site will allow motorists to get information customized for their preferred routes.

On Aug. 7, President Obama signed legislation that will shift $7 billion from the General Fund of the Treasury to the Highway Trust Fund. 

Prior to the signing, the Highway Trust Fund’s highway account was facing a cash shortfall due to diminishing fuel tax receipts and was expected to have problems making daily payments to states for projects. The transfer of funds is expected to keep the account solvent through the end of September, which is the end of the federal government’s fiscal year. 

The current surface transportation authorization, SAFETEA-LU, is set to expire at the end of September. Ongoing funding of the Highway Trust Fund is likely to be part of the reauthorization discussion.

Watch for updates this fall on the surface transportation reauthorization.

The July 2009 edition of New Library Materials is now available at http://www.dot.state.mn.us/library/newlibmat.html.

New Library Materials is a compilation of new book titles and other resources added to the library collection during the previous month. It is published electronically each month by the Mn/DOT Library. Selected new titles are on display in the library.

If you would like to be added to the library’s distribution list, call 651-366-3791 or e-mail library@dot.state.mn.us.

By Bob Filipczak

There was a great deal of energy in the room Aug. 13 at the annual Seeds Program event at the Shoreview Community Center. It was like a constant hum you feel deep in the soles of your feet or like a crackle of electricity arcing from person to person to person.

While it’s difficult to describe the energy, there is no doubt about who was generating it—the 73 Seeds students in the room.

The Seeds Program began 16 years ago as a way to provide jobs to high school and college students while “growing” future employees for Mn/DOT. This event was a celebration of the students’ achievements and acknowledgment of the support of their supervisors, mentors and directors of the program. The day included workshops about networking, intercultural competence and community building.

Commissioner Tom Sorel’s remarks were punctuated by two pieces of advice. First, he told the Seeds students, a sense of humor was vital to succeeding at work. In addition, he said, avoid burning bridges, because the coworker you think is completely unreasonable today could be your supervisor tomorrow.