Improved Highway Lane Reflectorized Markers

2016PDFTech ReportReflectorized road markingsRoad markingsLane linesSRPMsRecessed MarkersPavement MarkersUnited StatesMassachusetts. Dept. of Transportation. Office of Transportation PlanningGartner, Nathan H.Stamatiadis, ChronisSrinivas, SushmaUniversity of Massachusetts at LowellUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationUS Transportation CollectionThe purpose of this synthesis project is to investigate alternatives and best practices in reflectorized snowplowable pavement marker technology. A survey was conducted among peer DOTs and Canadian provinces. The respondents answered questions pertaining to reflectorized marker installation practices, effectiveness of these markers and satisfaction with the current practices. All responses were summarized. Most state agencies reported the use of temporary markers and raised markers. Among the states that use snowplowable raised pavement markers, some are not completely satisfied and are seeking alternate technologies. Failure of snowplowable raised pavement markers is attributed to snowplowing operations. Several agencies suggest the use of alternative snowplow blade technologies to reduce pavement marker damage. State agencies that have installed recessed pavement markers include Alaska, Illinois, Maine, South Carolina, Arkansas, Utah, Maryland, New Mexico, Virginia, Kansas, Oregon, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Among these states, Alaska, Illinois, Maine, South Carolina, Arkansas, Utah, Maryland, New Mexico, and Virginia responded to the survey. Most of these states are conducting ongoing trials of recessed markers. Maryland and Virginia were the only two states that demonstrated a high satisfaction rate with recessed snowplowable markers. The authors recommend that MassDOT follow up with those state agencies that use snowplowable recessed markers, acquire the results from the recessed pavement marker trials when completed, and investigate the applicability to Massachusetts conditions. The authors also encourage MassDOT to invest in the technologies of the future, such as LED markers and solar powered LED markers, which would benefit the agency in the long run