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Synthesis of Information Related to Highway Problems. Topic 46-13. Practice of Rumble Strips and Rumble Stripes

Project Details
STATUS

Completed

START DATE

09/15/14

END DATE

09/30/16

FOCUS AREAS

Safety

RESEARCH CENTERS InTrans, CTRE
SPONSORS

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
Federal Highway Administration
National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP)

Researchers
Principal Investigator
Omar Smadi

Director, CTRE

About the research

Rumble strips are a low cost safety countermeasure used to reduce roadway/lane departure crashes. When a pavement marking is applied over the rumble pattern, it is known as a rumble stripe. The practices from state to state are not uniform and there may not be one ideal design for all applications. There are advantages and disadvantages to the different rumble designs. This synthesis will identify current practices used by states installing rumble strips and rumble stripes. The scope of this synthesis study will focus on the safety benefits, rumble design, external noise considerations, durability/maintenance issues, impacts on bicyclists, and public affairs/outreach efforts. Results will benefit government agencies, researchers, and the road-building industry in providing guidance on successful practices. This synthesis will include a literature review and a survey of state departments of transportation (DOTs) and Canadian ministries of transportation. International agencies’ experience will be reviewed as available. From the results of the survey, a minimum of three agencies will be selected and case examples of their practices will be shared. Lessons learned and gaps in information will also be covered.

Visit the Transportation Research Board’s project website.

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