Why are roads in such terrible shape? (Minneapolis: living, cost)

[ropper111]

also, as bonus, why drivers in Minneapolis a little slow (and very bad in general)? is it the culture (because it's ok if that's so). I just want to know to better deal.

thanks

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by ropper111

Why are roads in such terrible shape?also, as bonus, why drivers in Minneapolis a little slow (and very bad in general)? is it the culture (because it's ok if that's so). I just want to know to better deal.

thanks

Because we had mixed snow and rain at temps slightly above freezing followed by rapidly falling temps to single digits, so there was a layer of ice under the snow that has frozen to the road surface. The same thing has happened on my driveway. The drivers are going a little slower right now because the roads are icy and they are aware that the intersections have the potential for black ice, so they don't want to rear end another car. You can cope by slowing down yourself. Don't worry, as soon as the roads clear everyone will be back to speeding, running red lights, and generally driving like maniacs.

http://m.wikihow.com/Drive-on-Black-Ice

[golfgal]

because it's hard to find a road surface that can withstand 120+ degrees in the summer and -40+ degrees in the winter...

[ropper111]

golf gal,

I believe Glen gave a better explanation (yours is a bit too generalistic). Thanks!

[Texamichiforniasota]

The roads are bad because of the weather. The freeze thaw causes a lot of potholes, and the roads in the actual cities and inner suburbs are old, so they've already been patched many times. It's not like a sun belt city where most of the roads were built in the last 20-30 years.

The drivers are bad because... well, no one is really sure why. Maybe it's cultural. Most Minnesotans don't even realize they drive differently than the rest of the country. My wife grew up in Minnesota and was never frustrated by the drivers until she moved away with me for a few years. Now when she goes back she is surprised at how bad the drivers are, but she was one of them and didn't realize it just a few years ago. Locals will blame the weather this time of year, but they don't drive any differently during the summer. After the first couple of snowfalls remind everyone of how to drive in the winter, I would say that Minnesotans are appropriately cautious and maybe even expert winter drivers. It's the summer that is frustrating. While merging into moving traffic is a problem for Minnesotans regardless of season, in the summer on a claer 75 degree day they still hesitate to change lanes before jerking over at the last second and drive the same slow speeds they are driving in the middle of winter. Don't worry, after you are there for about a year and a half, you get used to it and it won't bother you as much.

[Minntoaz]

I don't know but whoever knows and can solve that problem should win the nobel prize. Without question we are living near the LR because of it though. The roads are SO bumpy and I understand it's because of the extreme weather conditions (super hot-super cold) but it's extreme bumpiness in many major traffic areas. The traffic has never seemed too horrible to me but I've never driven to work during rush hour with snow so I'm sure that's totally different.

I'd contend Minnesota drivers are on the defense because really half the year you have to be... It's kind of in our blood. You never know what could happen... we've all been there going totally fine down the road and boom you lose control due to black ice or hydroplaning.

[my54ford]

Ask the Germans how their roads last forever...

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by ropper111

golf gal,

I believe Glen gave a better explanation (yours is a bit too generalistic). Thanks!

Actually, my answer is very specific if you understand the properties of water and heat thanks

[my54ford]

The technology to build better roads has existed for years but the cost to do so exceeds what the state/we will pay.....Just have to make a decision...better roads or more social programs

[wamer27]

Originally Posted by my54ford

The technology to build better roads has existed for years but the cost to do so exceeds what the state/we will pay.....Just have to make a decision...better roads or more social programs

Here's the correct answer!