Observational Study of Centerline Rumble Strips in Puerto Rico: PR-114 Case Study

Published in: Proceedings of the 13th Latin American and Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology: Engineering Education Facing the Grand Challenges, What Are We Doing?
Date of Conference: July 29 - 31, 2015
Location of Conference: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Authors: Benjamín Colucci
Yanira Rivera
Refereed Paper: #282

Abstract:

Two-lane, two-way rural roads have been shown to have the highest incidence of fatal and injury crashes [1]. The focus of this research is to study the effectiveness of centerline rumble strips on PR-114, a rural two-way two-lane road treated from kilometer 7.6 in Hormigueros to kilometer 14.6 in San Germán, the first to be treated with this safety countermeasure. The research will help determine the countermeasure’s potential for further implementation on the Puerto Rico highway network. The methodology includes a comprehensive literature review on centerline rumble strips, its policies, standards, and guidelines in all fifty states, before-and-after studies, and an observational analysis of PR-114. Preliminary conclusions suggest a tendency for speeding on the segment despite the 56 km/hr (35 mi/hr) posted speed limit. Some signs and other roadside appurtenances cannot be seen due to high roadside vegetation leaving road users with less perception-reaction time. The study also suggests warning signs be placed prior to the narrow bridges and hidden driveways located along the roadway. Overall centerline rumble strips are an effective treatment.

Keywords—Centerline Rumble Strips, CLRS, Rumble Strips, Safety Countermeasures.