MnDOT Prioritizes Work Zone Safety on Rural Bridge Project

Discover how Street Smart’s portable traffic signal systems enabled smooth and efficient traffic flow during a critical bridge construction project near Rochester, Minnesota.

Engineered Solutions for Safe, Single-Lane Closures

When a bridge spanning Deer Creek near Rochester, MN, required maintenance, the Minnesota Department of Transportation partnered with Street Smart Rental to provide portable traffic signals. This turnkey temporary traffic control solution kept both traffic and the project moving efficiently—while prioritizing safety in a high-volume corridor.

With 2,000 to 5,000 vehicles per day traveling this rural highway, maintaining smooth traffic flow was critical.

Our system featured:

Two Portable Traffic Signals equipped with intelligent traffic detection technology programmed to alternate one-way traffic through the single-lane closure, ensuring continuous vehicle movement without manual flagging.
Two Residential Driveway Temporary Signals (RTDS) programmed and working in conjunction with the portable traffic signals, allowing motorists to turn safely into the work zone from intersecting driveways and roadways.

This solution minimized disruption for the traveling public, reduced the risk of collisions at access points, increased safety of construction crew, allowed contractor to complete bridge repairs more quickly, and—critically—got flaggers out of harm’s way, reducing liability and improving on-site safety for everyone.

Portable signals like these are ideal for bridge and culvert projects, offering:

Equipment RENTAL option eliminates ownership costs
Rapid deployment – set up in less than 20 minutes
Automated / autonomous control + 24/7 live stream camera
Cost-effective labor savings
MUTCD compliance

Whether for emergency repairs or scheduled maintenance, Street Smart’s portable traffic control systems give traffic safety professionals, proven solutions to optimize work zones and protect crews.

Equipment Used On This Project

Full Size Portable Traffic Signal

Specs

180◦ Adjustable ITE Polycarbonate Signal Heads
12” Diameter LED’s with Work Zone Safety Lights
17’ 6” – 19’ 0” Top Signal Clearance, 8’ Bottom Signal Clearance
Extendable Mast Arm
4 – 4D 12V with 700 amp/hr Battery System
Solar-powered, No Onsite Electricity Required
Electric Deployment Actuator with Limit Switch
4 Leveling and Stabilizing Outriggers
2,500 lb. +/- Trailer Weight, 84” W x 96” L Footprint
2” Ball and Tandem Tow-able, 18’-2” Tandem Length

Features & Integrations

Full-Size Signals come standard with dual-traffic and work-zone-facing web cameras, redundant video and radar vehicle detection, and Street Smart’s app. These standard features make real-time video, programming, monitoring, and control of the signal system easy.

Residential Driveway Temporary Signal

Uses

The Residential Driveway Temporary Signal (formerly known as a Driveway Assistance Device) has a small footprint and is used to control intersections involving low-traffic side-roads or driveways. It’s proprietary Tumble Timing™ technology prevents motorists from driving the wrong way in a work zone.

Features

The Residential Driveway Temporary Signal (formerly known as a Driveway Assistance Device) is bottom-heavy for stability and has a small footprint compared to a full-size Portable Traffic Signal.

The tumble-timing feature minimizes the wait time for motorists as they safely cross or enter the work zone.

It uses quad-redundant communications, ensuring reliable connectivity suitable for use in long work zones spanning more than a mile.

The unit incorporates on-board batteries and solar panels, enabling it to run for weeks and often months without charging.

Portable Traffic Signal FAQs

What Makes Street Smart Signals the Best on the Market?

Unlike standard temporary portable traffic signals that rely on a single form of wireless communication, Street Smart utilizes quad-redundant wireless communication—point-to-point radio, cellular, WiFi, and satellite. This ensures reliable communication anywhere, safely and efficiently managing traffic in work zones.

Can I Get a Video of My Work Zone?

Yes! Work zone-facing cameras are available as an option for all our signals. You can access real-time images and videos during the project, with recordings available upon request.

Why Rent When I Can Buy?

You can reallocate your budget to other business areas by renting instead of buying. Our economical rental options provide an immediate return on investment and eliminate the costs of ownership

How many residential driveway temporary signals can I use on a single lane closure construction project?

From one device to twenty devices, from a 100-yard work zone to 2 miles, Street Smart can incorporate as many residential driveway temporary signals as your project requires. – Have this question go after “Why rent when I can buy

Where Is the Closest Street Smart Location?

With next-day delivery available for all our equipment, we’re here to support you!

How Does the App Help Me Manage and Monitor the Smart Work Zone in Real-Time?

The app offers up-to-date information, including current and historical battery voltage, communication link quality, real-time video feeds from traffic and work zone cameras, and historical footage—all accessible from any web-enabled device. Schedule a live demo, and we’ll show you more about the app dashboard.

Whether you’re designing a project that starts next year or have a current project, our team is ready to assist!

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