Annoying rumble strips on Highway 20 North

Recently the Wyoming Department of Transportation installed edge-line rumble strips on a section of Highway 20 N. For those living along the highway that have accepted the very high volume of traffic with the accompanying noise, the addition of the rumble strips has drastically elevated the noise level. Three of my neighbors added their names to a complaint I made to WYDOT.

WYDOT’s answer was basically that rumble strips have proven to reduce traffic accidents due to inattention and resulting off-road excursions. Basically, we are supposed to accept the rumble strip noise. They also warned me to be ready... center-line rumble strips are coming!

Some internet research revealed plenty of background on when/where rumble strips should be used. One of the frequent mentions was that the noise factor should be considered, especially in residential areas.

If WYDOT had checked the housing density right next to this highway, the noise factor alone (beside a minimal supposed increase in safety) would have indicated that the rumble strips were not a good use of WYDOT’s funds.

I plan on submitting a further complaint to try to get the rumble strips removed and would welcome names to add to the complaint list. If you live along the affected area and would like to add your weight to the complaint, please contact me at 864-3055 or by email at ronmow@rkymtn.com and join the ROARS group (Remove Our Annoying Rumble Strips). I would need your name and address at least, and an email address would also be nice. That way I can send you a copy of the complaint and WYDOT’s reply.

Ron Mowrer