What is in the future for rumble strips in Washington State?

Because of the reduction in the number of run-off-the-road accidents on the divided highway system, WSDOT has evaluated their role on undivided highways.  That evaluation has revealed that shoulder rumble strips on the undivided highway system presents additional concerns that are not as prevalent on the divided highway system.  In particular, accommodating bicyclists on the shoulders of the undivided highways emerged as a concern.  This leads us to a criteria-driven approach for consideration of shoulder rumble strips on the undivided highway system.  The criteria targets only those routes with a high run-off-the-road accident experience, where rumble strips can be accommodated while providing for the needs of the bicyclists.  The WSDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee has a pivotal role in the evaluation process.

The policy for use of Centerline Rumble Strips is now been placed in Chapter 700 of the Design Manual. 

Contact Information

Dave Olson, Design Policy, Standards, and Safety Research Manager
Design Policy & Standards @wsdot.wa.gov
360-705-7952  FAX: 360-705-6815
Washington State Department of Transportation Design Office
PO Box 47329
Olympia, WA 98504-7329

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