Pavement Marking Demonstration Projects: States of Alaska and Tennessee

Project Abstract

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) establishes standards and guidelines for longitudinal pavement markings, which are used to communicate several different types of information. Probably the most important is to indicate not only the roadway alignment but also a designated path. Pavement markings have to be effective at all times, particularly for older drivers and during wet-night conditions. In comparison to other traffic control devices, one of the most unique characteristics of pavement markings is that longitudinal markings provide a continuous stream of information to the road user. It has been estimated that there are over 17 million miles of pavement markings in the United States and the annual costs spent on pavement markings exceeds 1.5 billion dollars. Because past research efforts undertaken to evaluate the safety impacts of pavement markings have had limited applicability, the Department of Transportation is conducting a demonstration project in the State of Alaska and a demonstration project in the State of Tennessee to study the safety impacts, environmental impacts, and cost effectiveness of different pavement marking systems.

Background

Project Team

Overall Progress

Durability Study

Safety Study