New Speed Bump on Central Ave.

[The Dog Lady]

I’ve often complained about the speed at which vehicles travel on Central Ave. on the stretch between Lowry and Columbia Heights…. Well, it seems the rail crossing repair has created an unintended--or, perhaps, intended--solution. However, I doubt it was intentional since I’ll bet that the ongoing speed trap at 33rd is huge revenue source for the city of Minneapolis, and they wouldn’t want to lose that.

The new crossing at 36th is so far above grade that it has the effect of a giant speed bump. The work appears to be done, so unless another layer of blacktop is going to be added to that stretch of Central Ave., we’ve got a new traffic calming device!

However, during short the time that I stopped and watched traffic there this morning, I think the result will be a lot of crashes. Nearly every vehicle that traveled over the tracks had their shocks and springs bottom out and the frames of their vehicles careen and rock wildly as they crossed the tracks. The ones that didn’t bottom out were the ones who slammed on their brakes at the crossing nearly causing multiple rear-enders.

Even the rail workers who were still on site observing the flow of traffic seemed to be shaking their heads at the situation.

[The Dog Lady]

UPDATE: Crews spent a day last week grinding down the "speed bump" and reapplying and extending the asphalt. Seems to be a bit of an improvement.