Study Details

Study Title: Installation Guidance for Centerline and Edgeline Rumble Strips in Narrow Pavements

Authors: Savolainen et al.

Publication Date:SEP, 2017

Abstract: Shoulder rumble strips (SRS) and centerline rumble strips (CLRS) on two-lane rural highways are proven safety countermeasures. Placement of both SRS and CLRS can usually be accommodated within wide pavements (24 ft or greater paved width) without issue. However, proper placement of one or both is less straightforward for highways with paved widths less than 24 ft. Placement becomes especially difficult as widths approach 20 ft. Contributing factors such as traffic volume, roadway alignment, and the posted speed limit may suggest the use of one type of rumble strip over another. However, limited guidance currently exists regarding the minimum paved with necessary to install both SRS and CLRS, or which of the two to install when the installation of both is not feasible. The purpose of this study is to provide guidance to assist county road agencies, as well as the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), in determining when to install rumble strips based on various site-specific factors.

Study Citation: Savolainen, P.T., A. Sharma, T.P. Barrette, B. Vafaei, and T.J. Kirsch. "Installation Guidance for Centerline and Edgeline Rumble Strips in Narrow Pavements." Report No. IHRB Project TR-696. Iowa Highway Research Board. Ames, IA. (September 2017).

Study Report: Download the Study Report Document


CMFs Associated With This Study

Category: Roadway

Countermeasure: Install centerline rumble strips

CMF CRF(%)QualityCrash TypeCrash SeverityRoadway TypeArea Type
0.66833.24 StarsOtherAllNot specifiedNot specified

Countermeasure: Install edgeline or shoulder rumble strips

CMF CRF(%)QualityCrash TypeCrash SeverityRoadway TypeArea Type
0.83916.14 StarsOtherAllNot specifiedNot specified