Cobblestone: Charming . . . and Dangerous

Drivers say cobblestone intersections are slippery and dangerous but New York State Dept. of Transportation says they are aesthetic enhancements that serve as a "traffic calming method."

1 minute read

October 29, 2003, 12:00 PM PST

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech


"Albany, NY spent $2.5 million this year for a face-lift of the trendy street, including planting new trees, replacing sidewalks and installing historic streetlights. One highlight is the Belgian block stones that adorn each four-way intersection...Experts acknowledge that cobblestone surfaces tend to be dicier for automobile tires... a regional spokesman for the state Department of Transportation [said the cobblestone intersections] tend to serve as a 'traffic calming method,' encouraging drivers to slow down, and as an aesthetic enhancement."

Thanks to Sam Gold

Thursday, October 23, 2003 in Times Union

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