A Closed-Course Feasibility Analysis of Temporary Rumble Strips for Use in Short-Term Work Zones.

This research was conducted to determine how best to incorporate portable rumble strips into traffic control plans for short-term work zones. One objective of the research was to provide guidance on how existing traffic control plans could be amended to include provisions for the evaluated devices. This research focused on rumble strips that were considered beneficial for any type of work zone where the duration is one day or less. The tests on the portable rumble strips were conducted on a closed roadway surrounding the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, and in a closed park-and-ride parking facility in Lawrence, Kansas. The rumble strips tested in this study were two different types of reusable temporary rumble strips made out of steel with a rubber bottom and four generations of plastic rumble strips. From this study the best solution for most short-term work zones would be the latest generation of plastic rumble strips tested. The earlier generations did not perform as well as the fourth generation especially at 60 mph (96.6 km/hr). The steel rumble strips also hold some promise; however, the structural integrity of the steel rumble strips is an issue that needs to be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]