The United States National Park Service has voiced concern about roadway departure warning indicators (rumble strips) being installed in locations that affect the natural sound environment inside the park. Rumble strips can effectively alert errant drivers whose vehicles are leaving the travel lane. Some research has been conducted on rumble strips that perform effectively but result in lower noise levels in areas adjacent to a roadway. To date, however, the research is limited and scattered. The purpose of this study was to create a synthesis from collected information in order to have some guidance on how to install rumble strips near or in parks while minimizing disturbances in adjacent noise-sensitive areas. Included in this guidance document is a synthesis of literature on rumble strip noise based on the type of rumble strip, applications of rumble strips, the effects rumble strips have on various road users, including bicyclists, and also recommendations for rumble strip use and application in a park environment. (Author/publisher)
Abstract