Rumble Strips

Undivided highways in the primary and secondary systems make up about 75% of the total highway miles in Virginia. Roadway departures are a major contributor to fatal crashes on these highways. The purpose of this research was to develop guidelines for using centerline rumble strips (CLRS) in Virginia based on a review of best practices and the analysis of Virginia cross-over-the-centerline (COCL) crash data from 2001 through 2003. Crash frequency, density, and rate were determined. Data analyses revealed that the distribution of COCL crashes varied significantly with roadway system, road type, jurisdictional area, and road location. Fixed object run-off-the-road left was the predominant type of COCL crash followed by sideswipe opposite direction and head-on for undivided roads. The crash density of the primary system was 4.5 times higher than that of the secondary system. Guidelines for the use of CLRS, including application, design dimensions, installation and maintenance, were developed. The authors recommend that the Virginia Department of Transportation implement the guidelines. Although a benefit-cost ratio for this recommendation will vary with each site, a sample estimated benefit-cost ratio is 5.3 for primary roads and 1.3 for secondary roads. VDOT has allocated $2 million for CLRS installation.

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