Trucks account for over one-third of transportation sector greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. MnDOT strives to identify guidance for the freight community to reduce its vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Allowing larger or heavier trucks could allow more freight to be moved per vehicle, thus reducing VMT.
While VMT reductions may lead to decreases in GHG emissions, larger or heavier trucks may impact pavement and other infrastructure. The effects of these vehicles on the transportation network can be identified with a comprehensive analysis of freight movement throughout the state’s highway systems.
Understanding how changes in truck size or weight could both positively and negatively impact Minnesota’s transportation system will support MnDOT in working toward its VMT reduction goals.
“The research is needed to fill a void in tools to support the freight community in reducing VMT,” said Duane Hill, district engineer, MnDOT District 1. “MnDOT will be informed of potential infrastructure impacts before supporting changes to allowable truck sizes or weights.”
Objectives
In a new project, researchers will develop a network analysis tool to project potential VMT changes under different scenarios. From VMT changes, other metrics and effects can be measured, including GHG emissions and pavement life cycle.
The objectives are:
- Identify methods to gather trucking and freight movement data
- Review impacts of different truck sizes and weights on pavement types and bridge capacities
- Develop a truck routing algorithm and freight network model
- Evaluate VMT and infrastructure impacts of incremental changes in truck weights
Project Details
- Estimated Start Date: 07/01/2024
- Estimated Completion Date: 04/30/2026
- Funding: LRRB
- Principal Investigator: Alireza Khani
- Co-Principal Investigators: Mihai Marasteanu
- Technical Liaison:Duane Hill
Details of the research study work plan and timeline are subject to change.
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