Conceptually, we so-called “grumblers” were led to believe late last fall that the strips would be filled in, eliminated, etc. Due to the weather, some sections of Highway 61 remained (as pointed out in the latest issue of the News-Herald) and the plan was to finish the work spring/ summer 2014.
As of June 1, we note: There are sections of 61 where the rumble strips are not filled in/ eliminated; and where the rumble strips were supposedly filled in/eliminated, the quality of the work is so pathetic that, while I’m sure that some db reduction was achieved, it’s not nearly good enough.
Regarding eliminating the rumble strips, last fall when I heard this, my initial reaction was excitement, then my cynical side thought, let’s see exactly what was done. Would they mill out the entire section and then replace all of the material or would they attempt to simply add material to the cut-outs?
Unfortunately, they did the latter, which, as I predicted, wear over time, increasing the depth of the depression due to vehicles driving over them and natural material shrinkage, thereby mitigating their rumble strip mitigation! So far this year during our visits the rumbles are back, although they’re typically not quite as loud as last year.
Do I believe that this was part of the plan all along? Of course it was. This isn’t rocket science, robotics, or even differential equations—we’re talking about filling holes in the road. I’m very confident that MnDOT’s technicians, engineers, and management are quite familiar with the pros and cons of different rumble strip mitigation technologies and methodologies (including specific machines, materials, and processes), as well as how to soften up the locals over time to accept, or at least tolerate, rumble strips. Unfortunately, we’ve found ourselves engaged in a battle of attrition.
MnDOT (being part of the government in a democracy) should come clean, do the needful, and eliminate all traces of the rumble strips that they ground into 61.
I am annoyed with the rumble strip noise, MnDOT’s bullying, lack of technical rigor and basis for action and lame responses.
Mike Hennessey, Ph.D.
St. Paul/Paradise Beach
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