US 421 Centerline Rumble Strips in Chatham Co. Renee B. Roach, P.E. and Al Grandy May 2, 2007 Regional Traffic One of the Regional Traffic offices main task is to reduce the number and severity of crashes and decrease the crash potential on all NC roadways. We complete this mission by identifying, developing, implementing and evaluating safety and traffic operational projects. Location US 421 from approximately SR 2119 to SR 1010 in Chatham County. This segment of roadway was an active TIP project R-2610 in Division 8 MAP Problem The Sandhills Regional Office identified a troubling pattern of cross centerline crashes occurring along this section of US 421. An Engineering investigation was conducted concerning this pattern and was presented to Division 8 Staff along with a concept of trying an installation of centerline rumble strips. Crashes for a 5 yr period Fatals Solution A multi Unit Team of Division 8 staff, Sandhills RTE office, Traffic Safety Systems, and Work Zone Traffic Control was formed Team was charged with developing and rapidly implementing an effective corrective countermeasure Team worked as an cohesive group to study and discuss site conditions and incident circumstances and save lives on US 421 SOULTION - INSTALL MILLED CENTERLINE RUMBLE STRIPS Solution Center Line Rumble Strips Project Information Widen project R-2610A&B started on December 4, 2004 Centerline rumble strips were installed in 5 days between July 19-28, 2005 Total cost for the installation of milled rumble strips, traffic control and motorcyclist signing was $ 34,388.00 Results Significant improvement in reduction of drift across center lane departure type crashes during critical construction phases Before and After Benefits DECREASES FATALS, INJURIES AND CRASHES Low cost counter measures, B/C = 196 for 11 fatals Quick Installation Side Benefit a decrease of speed - people were more hesitant to pass along this segment Gathering of empirical data to show this type of treatment can produce significant decreases in cross centerline crashes This data can be shared within and outside of the State This problem solving (Team Effort) approach can be utilized for tackling other safety, design, constructability, and maintenance challenges. Contact Sandhills Regional Traffic Office Al Grandy Renee B. Roach, P.E