This paper was presented at the `Community traffic solutions for the future' session. Run-through type motor vehicle collisions and/or incidents at intersections in New Brunswick exist to the point that additional traffic control can be justified. Experience has indicated with standard traffic control at these intersections run-throughs still occurr. At these locations the New Brunswick Department of Transportation (NBDOT) has installed rumble strips laterally to the centerline of the Stop approaches. These rumble strips provide a tactile and audible warning to drivers that alert them to subsequent critical traffic control. Overall the performance of the grooved rumble strips at intersections has been very good. During the past several years since the rumble strips were installed run-through type collisions have virtually been eliminated. At this time, they are the most effective countermeasure to prevent run-through type incidents/collisions. There are currently no plans to discontinue their use in the future. Police report that they have been very effective and no complaints have been received about the noise they generate. NBDOT has found that rumble strip maintenance is required approximately every two years. This involves squaring up the edges with a portable milling machine and represents about half of the capital cost. Other issues/concerns that relate to NBDOT's use of rumble strips involve: guidelines for their installation; the over-use of rumble strips; when to abandon sites due to reduced traffic volumes; other applications (e.g. curves, toll plazas); other traffic control devices that can accomplish the same objective; were they truly warranted?
Samenvatting