ODOT to Try Experimental Rumble Strips on Highway 18

It is hoped that the use of rumble strips will wake drivers up and save lives.

This is the type of rumble strip used in Minnesota on Highway 371b. Photo courtesy: Minnesota Highway Department

(GRAND RONDE) - The Oregon Department of Transportation is moving quickly to install experimental centerline rumble strips on Oregon 18 near the communities of Grande Ronde and Fort Hill.

The agency is taking this initiative in response to concerns by county staff, citizens and elected officials over the circumstances of a recent fatal head-on crash at milepost 23.55, in which a vehicle crossed over into oncoming traffic.

There have been several other non-fatal accidents in the past four years in the same area.

This section of Highway 18 is a two-lane, two-way road, approximately 33 feet wide, with a posted speed of 45 miles per hour. As road width does not allow sufficient room for a median or centerline barrier, ODOT has selected centerline rumble strips as a measure that might help keep drivers alert, in their lanes, and prevent future accidents.

Breaks will be left at intersections with public roads, but otherwise the rumble strips will be continuous from milepost 21.28 to milepost 22.33. ODOT expects to complete the installation this summer and will track the results of this trial application.