MIDDLEBURY — The Addison County Regional Planning Commission on Wednesday, Sept. 17, will host a public information meeting about the impending installation of centerline rumble stripes on Route 7 south of Middlebury to Brandon.
Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) officials will be on hand at the meeting to discuss the benefits of centerline rumble stripes, why they are being advanced as a cost-effective safety improvement for Vermont state highways, and to review the agency’s policy and proposed locations.
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the regional planning headquarters at 14 Seminary St. in Middlebury.
VTrans is considering installation of centerline rumble stripes on every state highway, either in conjunction with another improvement project or as a standalone project. State transportation officials say the stripes reduce head-on and opposite direction sideswipe crashes; reduce run-off-road crashes where vehicles cross the centerline; reduce lane drift due to distracted/fatigued driving; lessen speed and off-tracking on curves; improve centerline visibility in wet pavement conditions; and provide enhanced guidance in fog and snow.
Last week the Burlington Free Press reported that one witness to a crash involving former FBI Director Louis Freeh on Route 12 in Barnard late last month said Freeh appeared to be asleep behind the wheel as his vehicle crossed the center line. Three oncoming cars had to dodge Freeh’s vehicle and ultimately the SUV struck a tree.
Centerline rumble stripes are being considered where pavement width is 28 feet or greater; speed limit is 45 mph or higher; and average traffic is 1,500 vehicles per day or greater.
For more information about the upcoming meeting, contact ACRPC Director Adam Lougee at 388-3141.