Rumble Strips

Around Marlborough’s state highways you will have noticed raised lines painted on the road these are generally known as rumble strips.

Rumble strips are officially called Audio Tactile Profiled Markings (ATPMs) and they are designed to prevent motorists veering from their lanes.

Rumble strips are made from thermal plastic ribs spaced evenly and are raised around 9mm from the roads surface, they are normally placed along the edge of the road or down the centreline.

When a vehicle tyre rides onto the strip, the driver is alerted by a vibration and noise, the driver can then take corrective actions to prevent driving from their lane or the road.

Studies have shown that where the rumble strips have been installed on roads there has been the potential to reduce injury crashes by 20 – 45 percent.

Before we install rumble strips we have to consider their effects on all road users including: cyclist’s motorcyclists and truck drivers.

When we look for potential locations for the strips we try to ensure there is a one metre sealed shoulder available for cyclists to ride on. Another consideration we also take into account is noise nuisance to nearby properties. New guidelines recommend the distance between rumble strips and adjacent properties should not be less than 100 metres.

Marlborough Roads is currently investigating new areas of the regions state highways where rumble strips can also be installed.

Areas currently being considered are Picton to Blenheim on State Highway 1 and Renwick to Havelock State Highway 6. A part of the investigations will be to consult local road users including cycling groups and the heavy haulage industry.

If you have any related questions please contact the Marlborough Roads Office, Ph: 03 520 8330.