In an effort to enhance the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, Alta partnered with the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MnDOT) Office of Traffic Engineering to develop a Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment (VRUSA). This initiative not only meets new federal safety requirements but also addresses the growing need for safer transportation infrastructure in both urban and rural communities across the state.
The core of this project relies on the creation of a High Injury Network (HIN)—a data-driven map highlighting areas with the highest concentrations of serious crashes involving vulnerable road users. Built using five years of crash data from 4,507 incidents, the HIN offers a clear picture of where targeted safety improvements are most needed.
Alta also reviewed prior MnDOT safety work to help inform priorities moving forward. The resulting VRUSA report presents systemic findings and area-specific insights, equipping MnDOT with actionable strategies to protect those most at risk on Minnesota’s roads.