Vernon residents debate noise from proposed centerline rumble strips

Connecticut DOT proposes rumble strips on Route 527 in Vernon, a road with 90 crashes over three years, to reduce head-on and sideswipe collisions. Mayor Dan Champagne opposes them because of constant noise from cars and trucks, while CDOT says the strips are low-cost and have drawn few complaints. The column argues the noise only occurs when drivers are about to cross the centerline.

Route 527, locally West Street, carries over 7,000 vehicles daily. In a recent three-year span, 90 crashes occurred there, with vehicles sometimes crossing the centerline or leaving the roadway.

Connecticut’s transportation department proposes centerline rumble strips, already installed along hundreds of miles statewide, citing low cost and safety gains. Officials say noise complaints have been rare. Vernon’s mayor fears round-the-clock noise from passing cars and trucks, while the columnist says the strips sound only when a driver nears the centerline.