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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation
FHWA Highway Safety Programs

Using Micro Surfacing to Reduce Wet Weather Crash Rates

Publication Year:

Original publication: National Roadway Safety Awards: Noteworthy Practices Guide; 2011

Description of Practice

Bridges in Minnesota were experiencing a higher crash rate than the surrounding highways. Super-elevated curve geometry was suspected in causing intensified icing and wet weather crashes. Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) experimented with using micro surfacing to reduce crash rates.

Key Accomplishments and Results

  • Utilized micro surfacing to address wet weather crashes
  • 76% reduction in wet weather crashes after placing micro surfacing
  • 19% reduction in total crashes after placing micro surfacing
  • 14:1 payback ratio at 5 year life, 19.7:1 with 7 year life

"Two photographs of two-laned highways: the highway on the left is curved and the highway on the right is straight"

Contact

Thomas J. Wood
MnDOT District 3B and Office of Materials and Road Research
651-366-5573
Thomas.Wood@state.mn.us