Evaluation of the effectiveness of rumble strip construction in the travel lane

This study was done for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to assess design standards and guidelines for the use of mmble strips in the travel lane. Rumble strips are raised or depressed patterns used to provide auditory or tactile sensations to the driver to call attention to an upcoming change or hazard in the roadway. Rumble strips are used for shoulder treatment and in-lane treatment. Research in rumble strips and their use and effectiveness is documented as far back as the 1940s with the "singing shoulders" and the early 1950s with mmble strips in the travel lane in use in several different states.

Reasons cited for using mmble strips include warning drivers of the need to stop, slow down, change lanes, warning of changes in roadway alignment, warning that they are leaving or have left the traveled way, and to warn of other potentially unexpected situations. Rumble strips on the roadway are therefore used on approaches to intersections, toll plazas, horizontal curves, mainline lane drops, work zones, and in lanes to be closed. Specific concerns generated in relationship to the use of mmble strips include noise created by the installations, motorist use of opposing lanes to avoid rumble strips, maintenance problems, motorist concerns, bicyclist concerns, and motorcyclist concerns.