pooled fund Projects
In progress
Wider Pavement Markings for Standard Applications - Updated March 2012
| Research Area | Traffic management Road safety |
| Responsible Council / Committee | Chief Engineers' Council Traffic Operations and Management Standing Committee |
| Related TAC publications | Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada (1999) |
| Start Date | June 2011 |
| Expected Completion Date | September 2016 |
| Research Agency | De Leur Consulting Ltd. |
| Status | Work is in progress. |
| Project Funding Partners | New Brunswick Department of Transportation; City of Edmonton; Alberta Transportation; Ministère des Transports du Québec; British Columbia Ministry of Transportation; Saskatchewan Highways and Infrastructure; Ministry of Transportation, Ontario; City of Calgary; City of Cambridge; City of Ottawa; Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation; Regional Municipality of York |
| Staff Contact | Sandra Majkic |
Abstract
It is suggested that visibility of longitudinal pavement markings may be enhanced if jurisdictions used the upper line width limit of 150 mm, especially in circumstances where water-based paint is used. Providing an increased longitudinal pavement marking area (and thus greater visibility) will likely be of particular benefit to aging drivers. Therefore, there is a need to investigate whether the longitudinal line visibility would be increased if minimum line width was 150mm.
The major objective of this project would be to investigate the applicability and potential benefits of using wider longitudinal pavement markings and determine if 150 mm would be an appropriate minimum line width for centerlines and/or edge lines. Based on the findings, national guidelines for the application of wider longitudinal pavement markings in Canada will be developed and amendments to the MUTCDC will be prepared as necessary.
Tasks will include:
- Review of existing research studies on the use of wider longitudinal pavement markings to evaluate their usage for standard applications.
- Survey on existing practices and experiences from jurisdictions in Canada and selected North American jurisdictions where wider pavement markings are used.
- Development of a strategy/framework and conduct of a pilot before and after study for wider pavement applications. In developing the pilot project strategy, the consultant must specify which pavement marking applications will be tested and how they will be evaluated.
- Formulating a set of detailed guidelines that should be used when applying wider longitudinal pavement markings in Canadian jurisdictions, including such considerations as: minimum line lengths, use of wider line for all pavement markings on a given section, etc.
- Identifying and preparing the necessary changes to the MUTCDC. The consultant should also describe how the current use of wider pavement markings (i.e., for lane drops) in the MUTCDC will be impacted as well as identify a need and hence recommendation for further changes if deemed necessary.