Neighbors urge Sherburne County to review newly installed rumble strips after sleep disruptions

Several Sherburne County residents urged the Board on June 23 to re‑evaluate newly installed transverse rumble strips near County Road 20, saying the pavement features are causing ongoing sleep disruption and health impacts.

"Since the rumble strips were installed on June 8, my home has changed dramatically," said Marsha Written, who lives directly adjacent to the strips. "Every day and every night, I hear the constant pounding of vehicles crossing all five rumble strips. This is not just an inconvenience. It has become a daily disruption to my life."

Another resident, Dennis Leetha, told commissioners he is a Vietnam veteran who is being startled awake regularly by the noise. "It's driving me crazy," he said, asking the county to remove the strips or find alternative markings. Both speakers requested that the county formally review the installation and consider alternatives such as flashing warning signs, enhanced pavement markings, speed reductions or a four‑way stop.

Administrator Bruce Messel told the board staff had already referred the concern to the county engineer, who requested an engineering assessment of the product and its installation. "The county engineer's been made aware of it and has asked to follow up with an engineering assessment of the product used," Messel said; staff added the item would be investigated and the board updated.

Several commissioners expressed sympathy and asked staff to study both safety outcomes and resident impacts. The public comment period is the first formal step; any action — removal or modification of the strips — will require engineering review and a staff recommendation to the board.

Next steps: staff to perform an engineering assessment of the rumble‑strip product and installation, evaluate alternative countermeasures, and report findings to the board for further direction.