Fixit: LEDs mark I-35W express lane

By KAREN YOUSO, Star Tribune

Last update: November 13, 2009 - 5:20 PM

Q I noticed that the new commuter lane on Interstate 35W going into downtown Minneapolis has reflective bumps in the pavement. Although I've seen these lane markers in many other states, I understood that they couldn't be used in Minnesota because they would just be knocked off by the plows. Why are they used now?

A Those reflective "bumps" aren't raised; they're actually LED lights embedded in the roadway and flush with the road surface so plows won't hit them.

They act as a guide for the MnPASS express lane in lieu of a painted stripe. They're deployed when the MnPASS express lane is open to delineate it from the general purpose lane. They're protected from moisture, debris and snow and ice removers.

Todd Kramascz, director of communications, Minnesota Department of Transportation

Feed the birds?

Q Is it against the law to feed the geese in Minneapolis parks?

A No, but it's not encouraged. Indeed, many cities ban feeding waterfowl in parks, according to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

Feeding waterfowl draws them to the lakes and encourages propagation. With open water, few predators and abundant food sources, populations have thrived.

In large numbers, waterfowl can cause soil compaction, shoreline erosion and damage to vegetation. Bird droppings contribute to algae growth in water, which can be harmful to the ecosystem and aesthetics of a lake. Lots of algae, called algae "blooms" or "scums," make a lake green, smelly and unpleasant to swim in. As algae die and decay, they use up oxygen. Low oxygen levels in a lake lead to fish kills and foul odors.

Additionally, waterfowl droppings may contain bacteria and viruses. Waterfowl are hosts of the parasite that causes swimmer's itch. Feeding waterfowl, particularly around beaches and docks, may contribute to swimmer's itch, reducing the recreational quality of these public areas.

If you are picnicking in an area where waterfowl congregate, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly and make sure pets and children do not ingest waterfowl droppings.

Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-7032, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com. Past columns are available at www.startribune.com/fixit. Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies. Fixit appears every day except Friday.

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