Study Details
Study Title: Study of KDOT Policy on Lane and Shoulder Minimum Width for Application of Centerline Rumble Strips
Authors: Rys et al.
Publication Date:AUG, 2012
Abstract: The objectives of this research were: a) to obtain updated information on DOT policies and guidelines for installation of centerline rumble strips (CLRS) in the United States in order to identify current practices; b) to verify the before-and-after safety effectiveness of CLRS currently installed in Kansas; c) to determine if CLRS cause levels of exterior noise that can disturb nearby residents and propose a minimum distance from houses for installation of CLRS in Kansas; d) to estimate the effects of CLRS on vehicles' operational speed and lateral position and to verify if it is safe to install CLRS on sections of highways with narrow shoulders; and e) provide recommendations of when it is beneficial to install rumble strips, given known values of traffic volume, shoulder width, and the presence of other types of rumble strips. The methodologies that were applied in this research include: a) an email survey that was sent to all state DOTs to verify their current guidelines for installation of CLRS; b) application of Bayesian before-and-after methods to investigate the safety effectiveness of CLRS in Kansas; c) field data collection according to standard procedures to verify if CLRS produce exterior noise levels that can disturb residents that live nearby to treated highways, d) standard field data collection methods to investigate how CLRS impact vehicular lateral position and operational speed; and e) modeling and interpretation of regression equations to predict number of crashes. Based on the analysis of safety performance function (SPF) models for total correctable crashes, on roadways with narrow shoulders, SRS only is recommended for all annual average daily traffic levels (AADTs) considered in this study. For
AADTs lower than 5,750 vehicles per day, CLRS are recommended. For AADTs greater than 3,000 vehicles per day, the both configuration is also recommended. The study of SPFs was limited by the fact that only 29 sections of highway were used to build the models. Overall, both patterns currently installed in Kansas have provided crash reductions and are recommended. Shoulder width and traffic volume should be considered as crash predictors for enhancement of the benefits.
Study Citation: Rys, M., D. Karkle, and E. Russell. "Study of KDOT Policy on Lane and Shoulder Minimum Width for Application of Centerline Rumble Strips." Report No. K-TRAN:KSU-10-7. Kansas Department of Transportation. Topeka, Kansas. (August 2012).
Study Report: Download the Study Report Document
CMFs Associated With This Study
Category: Roadway
Countermeasure: Install centerline rumble strips
| CMF | CRF(%) | Quality | Crash Type | Crash Severity | Roadway Type | Area Type |
|---|
| 0.708 | 29.21 |  | Other | All | All | Rural |
Countermeasure: Install football shaped centerline rumble strips
| CMF | CRF(%) | Quality | Crash Type | Crash Severity | Roadway Type | Area Type |
|---|
| 0.331 | 66.93 | | Other | All | All | Rural |
Countermeasure: Install rectangular shaped centerline rumble strips
| CMF | CRF(%) | Quality | Crash Type | Crash Severity | Roadway Type | Area Type |
|---|
| 0.772 | 22.85 | | Other | All | All | Rural |
