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2009 Edition Chapter 3J. Rumble Strip Markings

Section 3J.01 Longitudinal Rumble Strip Markings

Support:
01 Longitudinal rumble strips consist of a series of rough-textured or slightly raised or depressed road surfaces intended to alert inattentive drivers through vibration and sound that their vehicle has left the travel lane. Shoulder rumble strips are typically installed along the shoulder near the travel lane. On divided highways, rumble strips are sometimes installed on the median side (left-hand side) shoulder as well as on the outside (right-hand side) shoulder. On two-way roadways, rumble strips are sometimes installed along the center line.

02 This Manual contains no provisions regarding the design and placement of longitudinal rumble strips. The provisions in this Manual address the use of markings in combination with a longitudinal rumble strip.

Option:
03 An edge line or center line may be located over a longitudinal rumble strip to create a rumble stripe.

Standard:
04 The color of an edge line or center line associated with a longitudinal rumble stripe shall be in accordance with Section 3A.05.

05 An edge line shall not be used in addition to a rumble stripe that is located along a shoulder.

Support:
06 Figure 3J-1 illustrates markings used with or near longitudinal rumble strips.

Figure 3J-1 Examples of Longitudinal Rumble Strip Markings

Thumbnail image of Figure 3J-1

Section 3J.02 Transverse Rumble Strip Markings

Support:
01 Transverse rumble strips consist of intermittent narrow, transverse areas of rough-textured or slightly raised or depressed road surface that extend across the travel lanes to alert drivers to unusual vehicular traffic conditions. Through noise and vibration, they attract the attention of road users to features such as unexpected changes in alignment and conditions requiring a reduction in speed or a stop.

02 This Manual contains no provisions regarding the design and placement of transverse rumble strips that approximate the color of the pavement. The provisions in this Manual address the use of markings in combination with a transverse rumble strip.

Standard:
03 Except as otherwise provided in Section 6F.87 for TTC zones, if the color of a transverse rumble strip used within a travel lane is not the color of the pavement, the color of the transverse rumble strip shall be either black or white.

Guidance:
04 White transverse rumble strips used in a travel lane should not be placed in locations where they could be confused with other transverse markings such as stop lines or crosswalks.

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