Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

G4-16: Temporary Portable Rumble Strips

DESCRIPTION:

Temporary rumble strips supplement roadside warning devices by causing tactile feedback to drivers through physical variations in the roadway surface. As temporary devices, they may be installed, relocated, or removed relatively easily and without damage to the road surface such as would occur following the removal of permanent rumble strips by grinding or abrasion. Temporary rumble strips afford a method to improve driver awareness in areas with sudden changes in roadway configuration or traffic patterns due to work zones.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

Temporary portable rumble strips increase driver alertness and they provide advanced warning of changing conditions within the work zones. They are durable, capable of withstanding traffic impacts and weathering elements. As temporary devices they are well suited to work zones.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

The lightweight plastic-based material allows for quick installation and removal. Rumble strips provide audible warning and physical vibration to alert motorists. They help in reduction of crashes with distracted drivers by alerting them to reduce speeds and notice that they are near a work zone.

MOST APPLICABLE LOCATION(S)/PROJECT(S):

Portable rumble strips are suitable for locations that have temporary lane closures, changes in alignment, new merge patterns and visual obstructions. These can be used in locations with high crash rates and/or night time work zones.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

Colorado , Maryland, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Virginia , Washington

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Charles Meyer, Colorado DOT, Safety Traffic Engineering Branch Manager
Phone: (303) 757-9897
E−mail: charles.e.meyer@state.co.us