New York, NY— If you’ve ever driven down a rumble strip in New York and heard it play a tune, you’re not imagining it—and it may be the last time you do.
The quirky “Laughing Road,” officially known as a musical road, is now banned statewide.
🎶 What Is a Musical Road?
Musical roads are engineered with grooves in the pavement that produce musical notes when cars drive over them at a specific speed.
They’ve popped up in places like California and New Mexico as roadside curiosities, sometimes intended to encourage safe driving.
California’s ‘Laughing Road’ Ban Raises Eyebrows — See What’s Changing
But in New York? Officials say the fun has gone too far.
🚗 Why the Ban?
The New York State Department of Transportation cited several reasons for banning musical roads:
- Distractions: The unexpected sounds have been causing confusion, even startling drivers.
- Noise Complaints: Nearby residents reported the tune echoing day and night.
- Maintenance Issues: The roads degrade faster, requiring more frequent repairs.
State Senator Dana Feldman, who co-sponsored the bill, said:
“While innovative, these roads aren’t aligned with New York’s safety-first approach to infrastructure.”
📍 Where Were They?
While not widespread, a few test segments were installed in upstate New York over the last two years. These were mostly part of pilot programs designed to study traffic calming.
All existing installations are now ordered to be removed by July 1, 2025.
🚦 What’s Next for Drivers?
New York drivers won’t hear the hum of “America the Beautiful” under their tires anymore. But state officials say this move clears the road for safer, more standardized transportation initiatives.
📝 Final Takeaway
The Laughing Road was fun while it lasted—but in New York, the melody has officially come to an end.
