Several years ago I wrote a letter stating my concerns about center line rumble strips being installed on our State Highways. I felt that this was a big mistake as this would only hasten the deterioration of our roads. The center of these highways is where the paving seam of the two different lanes meet. Water enters this paving seam and winter frost does the rest. Chopping out rumble strips on this area of the highway only allows water to ruin the center of these highways faster.

I remember reading a rebuttal concerning my opinion. The gentleman gave numerous facts that these rumble strips were a proven safety factor used on roads in the Western USA. He went so far as to state that it was a proven science that these rumble strips would not damage our roads.

Earlier this summer while traveling on Rt. 56 from South Colton to Sevey Corners, on Rt. 3 between Sevey Corners and Piercefield, on Rt. 12 between Morristown and Alex Bay, I noticed that the Highway State crews were filling in the center line median rumble strips with a one foot wide new pavement followed by a new paint job of driving lines.

Later in the summer these pieces of highway are totally being repaved. Near Philadelphia, NY on Rt. 11; I witnessed a crew of 14 men along with 12 pieces of State equipment paving the one foot wide piece of road center. The seven-man paint crew was waiting to do their job later in the day! I wonder how many men, pieces of equipment and cost of material it takes to totally repave and paint these roads?

Once these pieces of highways are totally repaved, I wonder if the New York State Highway Department will reinstall the centerline rumble strips?

If they do, I can only say: “Shame on them.”

If they don’t, I can say: “I told you so.”

Bob Haggett

Norwood