Green infrastructure
Green Infrastructure is the use of vegetation and soils in combination with built structures to accomplish infrastructure functions. For a transportation system these functions include safety, stormwater management, and livability needs.
Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) is the use of vegetation and soils in combination with built structures to manage stormwater.
GSI Tool Kits
See below for resources on several common green stormwater infrastructure practices. These “Tool Kits” include basic information, design guidance, construction tips, and maintenance instructions. They also include specification language and design details. These were developed in consultation with subject matter experts from around MnDOT, Minnesota, and the country.
Introduction
GSI Introduction
CHAPTER 1 - Pretreatment
CHAPTER 2 - Pretreatment
- Chapter 2 Toolkit - Pretreatment
- Chapter 2 Toolkit - Pretreatment Detail (.pdf)
- Chapter 2 Toolkit - Pretreatment Detail (.dgn)
CHAPTER 3 – Tree Trench
- Chapter 3 Toolkit - Tree Trench
- Chapter 3 Toolkit - Tree Trench Detail (.pdf)
- Chapter 3 Toolkit - Tree Trench Detail (.dgn)
- Chapter 3 Factsheet - Tree Trench
CHAPTER 4 – Filter Strip
CHAPTER 5 – Swales & Ditches
- Chapter 5 Toolkit - Swales & Ditches
- Chapter 5 Toolkit - Swales & Ditches Detail (.pdf)
- Chapter 5 Toolkit - Swales & Ditches Detail (.dgn)
CHAPTER 6 – Natural Stormwater Preservation
- Chapter 6 Toolkit - Natural Stormwater Preservation
- Chapter 6 Factsheet - Natural Stormwater Preservation
CHAPTER 7 – Enhanced Stormwater Ponds
- Chapter 7 Toolkit - Enhanced Stormwater Ponds
- Chapter 7 Toolkit - Enhanced Stormwater Ponds Detail (.pdf)
- Chapter 7 Toolkit - Enhanced Stormwater Ponds Detail (.dgn)
- Chapter 7 Factsheet - Enhanced Stormwater Ponds
CHAPTER 8 – Permeable Pavement
- Chapter 8 Toolkit - Permeable Pavement
- Chapter 8 Toolkit - Permeable Pavement Detail (.pdf)
- Chapter 8 Toolkit - Permeable Pavement Detail (.dgn)
- Chapter 8 Factsheet - Permeable Pavement
CHAPTER 9 – Mini Forests
CHAPTER 10 – Green Façade
CHAPTER 11 – Infiltration Boulevard
- Chapter 11 Toolkit - Infiltration Boulevard
- Chapter 11 Toolkit - Infiltration Boulevard Detail (.pdf)
- Chapter 11 Toolkit - Infiltration Boulevard Detail (.dgn)
- Chapter 11 Factsheet - Infiltration Boulevard
GSI Literature Review
The literature review information is a collection of publications related to all the tool kit practices. The literature included is an evolving collection as new studies, publications, and research is conducted on Green Stormwater Infrastructure.
Green Infrastructure Working Group
The Green Infrastructure Working Group is an interdisciplinary group of MnDOT staff who are working to improve the department’s capacity to use green infrastructure. The group formed near the end of 2024 and is currently working on some foundational tasks such as creating a MnDOT definition for green infrastructure, and evaluating the overall context and needs for green infrastructure at MnDOT. The work of this group will encompass not only green stormwater infrastructure but also green infrastructure that serves other functions such as safety, visual screening, and livability needs.
More information will be posted about this group as their work progresses. For immediate questions, contact one of the Working Group co-chairs:
- Carrie Caffrey (Office of Sustainability and Public Health)
- Ken Graeve (Office of Environmental Stewardship)