Research Recommendations for Uniform Rumble Strip Applications in Texas (0-4472-S)

Research findings have clearly shown that continuous rumble strips along the shoulder of expressways and freeways provide significant benefits in terms of reducing run-off-the-road (ROR) crashes. More recently, studies are beginning to show that continuous rumble strips installed along the shoulders and centerlines of conventional highways have the potential to impact safety in a positive manner. Less understood, but potentially just as beneficial, are in-lane or transverse rumble strips, which are normally installed on approaches to rural high-speed intersections, unexpected horizontal curves, or other locations where crashes occur more frequently than expected. This project included an investigation of these three different types of rumble strips on Texas highways. The primary focus of the project was on the operational aspects of transverse rumble strips (TRSs) and centerline rumble strips (CRSs). Also included in the research scope, but with less emphasis, was an evaluation of edge line rumble strips (ERSs) on conventional highways.