HomeMy WebLinkAbout961017.tiff STATE. OF COLORADO
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Region4 r . . .. 6tbikDOTI
1420 2nd Street
Greeley,Colorado 80632-0850 .
(970)353-1232 ivI_�
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May 21, 1996 ! '_
Ms. Barbara Kirkmeyer, Chairman
Weld County Commissioners
P.O. Box 758
Greeley, CO 80632
Dear Ms. Kirkmeyer:
It is my understanding that Weld County is considering the placement of cross-road rumble strips
in advance of all or most intersection with state highways. While I share the desire for improved
safety at all intersections, it is my opinion that rumble strips should be placed at intersections
with a higher frequency of accidents related to vehicles running through stop signs.
Accident prevention is an important factor in highway design and operation. Many safety
features are available to assist us in minimizing the number of accidents on our roads. In order to
assure maximum compliance by drivers, many of the safety features, such as rumble strips, are
reserved for unique and special areas. They are our"trump cards".
At this time, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has no written guidelines for
rumble strip placement. However, rumble strips are most effective in reducing accidents related
to running through or missing stop signs. They provide little or no benefit in reducing other
accident types.
Rumble strips also have some drawbacks that need to be considered. There is considerable noise
generated by vehicles traveling over rumble strips; many residents near them often complain of
the noise. In addition., many drivers complain of the discomfort of the rumble strips and often
swerve to avoid them. Lastly, the pavement at and around the rumble strips generally requires
more maintenance than surrounding pavement.
CDOT would like to assist you and your staff in determining good candidate locations for rumble
strips and other safety features at county/state highway intersections. Please contact Jeff
Kullman, Region Traffic Engineer, at 350-2121 if you would like to schedule a review.
Sincerely,
D lad Kai// ua}Region Transportation Director
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