Rumble Strips

Rumble strips are a series of various types of surface textures used in paved roads and shoulders that produce noise and vibration to alert road users of a traffic condition or hazard. Rumble strips have been proven to be very effective. Research shows the benefit-cost ratio of rumble strip installation is between 30:1 and 182:1.

Rumble strips can be applied longitudinally or transverse. Longitudinal rumble strips can be applied on the edgeline and/or centerline to warn drivers when they leave their lane. Transverse rumble strips are applied across the travel lane to warn of an upcoming condition, such as an unexpected stop condition. When applying shoulder rumble strips, consider the needs of bicyclists. Where bicyclists are expected, shoulder rumble strips applied on the edge line are preferred versus those offset onto the shoulder from the edge line because they would encroach into the area bicyclists use for travel.