Effectiveness of Temporary Rumble Strips in Work Zones

Temporary rumble strips, including short-term temporary rumble strips and long-term temporary rumble strips, are used by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to help reduce vehicle speeds in work zones and to alert drivers they are approaching a work zone. This research study investigated the effectiveness of temporary rumble strips used by MoDOT and other state Departments of Transportation (DOTs). The research methodology included a review of existing literature, synthesis of MoDOT and other DOT practices, field observations of driver behavior and installation of temporary rumble strips, collection and analysis of speed data, and economic analysis. A synthesis of existing DOT practices found differences in levels of implementation and standards for temporary rumble strips among DOTs. Field observations of driver behavior noted minimal erratic driver behavior. Overall, the study found that temporary rumble strips can be an effective tool to lower vehicle speeds and reduce crashes and can lead to high benefit-cost ratios. Modifications to existing MoDOT practices may potentially reduce cost, increase installation efficiency, enhance worker safety, and improve performance of temporary rumble strips.

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Report number: cmr 22-004
Published: February 2022
Project number: TR202209
Authors: Henry Brown, Praveen Edara, Carlos Sun, Sungyop Kim, Jill Bernard Bracy, Qingzhong Zeng, Ho Jun Baek, and Gladwell Ndungu

Performing organization: Missouri Center for Transportation Innovation (MCTI)