Details:

Creators:
Wendy M. Ellis
Corporate Creators:
Vermont. Agency of Transportation. Materials and Research Section
Corporate Contributors:
United States. Federal Highway Administration
Subject/TRT Terms:
[+]
Accident Data Center Lines Durability Evaluation Highway Safety Performance Rumble Strips Rural Highways Sound Level
Publication/ Report Number:
2015-07
Resource Type:
Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:
Vermont
Corporate Publisher:
Vermont. Agency of Transportation. Research and Development Section
Abstract:
This report documents the site characteristics, constructability, summary of audibility testing, and maintenance response of centerline rumble

stripes at two locations: US Route 4 in Mendon-Killington and VT Route 105 in Sheldon.

The primary objective of this research initiative was to evaluate the effectiveness of centerline rumble stripes in reducing lane departure

crashes and improving the safety of undivided roadways. Ease of installation was documented along with the design of the rumble stripes in

conjunction with the adjacent pavement markings. In addition, the long-term performance of rumble stripes is assessed. Criteria included

overall durability and wear resistance in new or aged pavement. Differing snowfall environments as well as winter maintenance practices

were identified as contributing factors.

Results at the Mendon-Killington location are promising, showing a reduction of crossover crashes and associated injuries. Crossover crashes

decreased from an annual average of 12.86 to 7.2, a 44 percent reduction. Injuries decreased from an average of 7.8 to 4, a 48.6 percent

decrease. Sheldon saw a slight decrease in the annual average of crossover crashes of 2.63 to 2.25. Due to the small pool of data for

evaluation at the site, the data is not statistically significant.

Sound level readings were recorded in the A-weighted decibel scale using a Pass-by evaluation method detailed in this report. All values were

under OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) of 90 dBA. The noise levels did not decrease as the rumbles wore down. Readings in

Mendon-Killington were approximately 10 dB higher than in Sheldon, possibly due to pavement age and CLRS dimensions. As expected the

tandem dump truck produced the largest readings, averaging 89.7 dBA in Mendon-Killington, followed by the pick-up at 84.3 dBA and the

passenger car at 81.0 dBA. The same vehicle types in Sheldon produced readings of 80 dBA, 77.5 dBA, and 73 dBA respectively.

The maintenance districts response is positive. Although it is reported that it does take more effort to clear snow from the CLRS, it does help

keep drivers off the centerline and in their own lane. District contacts noted that no complaints have been received from area residents

regarding noise and although both locations have worn-in, areas still provide the awareness that motorists need if they hit the centerline. No

repairs have been required at either location.


Format:
PDF
Funding:
RAC SPR-714
Collection(s):
US Transportation Collection
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:72a99cb4b382db6e1220553f7bd68da310fa8a7fd89261c87b8eb1e0e658c46a
Download URL:
https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/28659/dot_28659_DS1.pdf
File Type:

Supporting Files

• No Additional Files

More +