Evaluation of Temporary Removable Rumble Strips for Speed Reduction

Removable rumble strips were installed at construction work zones along State Route 31 in Charlotte County, Florida to help reduce travel speeds of vehicles entering work zones. Speed studies were conducted 5500 ft and 600 ft upstream of the work zone to determine differences between work zones equipped with temporary rumble strips and those that were not. A comparative parallel study revealed that travel speeds were not significantly different 5500 ft upstream of the work zone regardless of whether or not temporary rumble strips were present. The proportion of drivers exceeding the posted speed limit was also not identified as a problem in either case. At 600 ft upstream of the work zone, the temporary rumble strips produced a substantial reduction of over 8 mph in comparison to those locations without rumble strips. This reduction was more pronounced than those experienced in several previous evaluations and temporary rumble strips appear to become more effective when they are placed closer to the work zone and when there are several sets of rumble strips placed in succession. The use of temporary rumble strips in advance of construction work zones appears to be a practical countermeasure to reduce vehicular speeds and to improve driver and worker safety.