Guidelines for Work Zone Intrusion Countermeasures

Table of Contents

  1. RUMBLE STRIPS
  2. CHANNELIZING DEVICE SPACING REDUCTION
  3. FLAGGER STATION ENHANCED SETUPS
  4. WORK ZONE SPEED LIMIT REDUCTIONS
  5. POLICE ENFORCEMENT
  6. VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGNS
  7. DRONE RADAR
1. RUMBLE STRIPS

EI 96-001 provides specifications and suggested criteria for use of temporary rumble strips in work zones. Implementation of rumble strips has been minimal on Department projects, but in the few instances when used, they have performed well. While they are generally not effective in reducing speed significantly, they are effective in providing audible and tactile warnings to drivers. Equally important, strips built up using preformed marking tapes have been easy to install and remove, and they have proven to provide good durability. When installed according to the guidance in EI 96-001, rumble strips should not create operational or safety problems for vehicles, including motorcycles.

Use Guidelines

Temporary rumble strips are to be installed at the approach to construction and maintenance work sites with stationary work zone locations as follows:

  • Rumble strip installations are generally to follow the guidelines and specifications in EI 96-001. Marking tape strips are to be used where removal from the pavement is an important consideration. Sawcut, milled-in, or raised asphalt strips are acceptable where the pavement will be overlaid or removed. Adjustments to rumble strip patterns, depth, and thickness may be helpful in enhancing performance.
  • For work sites with long-duration signing at the project limits, rumble strips will be installed upstream of the advance warning signs. Where only a G 11-1 length of construction sign is used at the project limits, rumble strips are to be installed in advance of that sign unless specific warning signs are placed nearby.
  • For long projects such as highway reconstruction or 3R, sets of rumble strips may be installed at approximately 3 km intervals throughout the project, or at specific work sites such as bridge sites if more appropriate.
  • Intermediate rumble strips should be located in advance of warning signs such as W8-1 ROAD WORK AHEAD, W3-3, TWO-WAY TRAFFIC, or W4-12, NO SHOULDER. Signs located within the project should include the W9-2 Auxiliary Mileage sign – NEXT XX MILES.
  • Rumble strips should be installed at maintenance sites such as paving, bridge repairs, and other sites where temporary traffic controls are in place for more than two nights.
  • Rumble strips are not to be used where they will create operational problems, or where they will provide no additional warning, including the following:
    • Highways with a 65 mph speed limit, unless a reduced speed limit is in effect.
    • In close proximity to residences where noise may be objectionable.
    • On milled surfaces or very rough pavement.
  • For ongoing contracts, payment will entail an order-on-contract. Rumble strips will be included in new contracts, with amendments used as necessary. Department forces will install rumble strips on maintenance work sites.
Completion Date
  • By June 15, rumble strips should be in place on high-speed work sites with workers exposed to traffic.
  • By July 15, rumble strips should be in place on all other appropriate work sites.
  • By July 22, lettings will include rumble strips as appropriate.
Reporting Requirements
  • By June 15, each Region will provide confirmation that rumble strips are in place according to the above criteria. A brief summary of number of installations in place or planned – for contracts and maintenance – will be included.
  • By July 15, update progress on rumble strip placement, summarize evaluation of effectiveness for various types used. Confirm that lettings beginning July 22 will include rumble strips.

This document was contributed by the New York State Department of Transportation. If you have any questions, please contact Charles Riedel.

Last verified: 7/28/1999