Project Title: Evaluation of Pavement Marking Effectiveness

Sponsor: Texas Department of Transportation

Principle Investigator: Gene Hawkins

Research Staff: Tim Gates

TTI Project Number: 441502

Start Date: 9/1/00

End Date: 8/31/03

Abstact: Pavement markings are receiving greater attention in recent times due to changes in traditional marking materials and the impending establishment of minimum levels of retroreflectivity for markings. This project proposes to evaluate a wide variety of issues related to pavement markings. Specific items to be addressed in the research include an identification of current practices in TxDOT districts and other state transportation agencies, an evaluation of pavement marking retroreflectivity on Texas highways, assessments of the durability of pavement marking materials, evaluation of driver need for marking retroreflectivity, and the development of recommendations based on the research findings. The recommendations will be implemented through the Pavement Marking Handbook, which will be developed in cooperation with a panel of TxDOT staff knowledgeable on pavement marking practices and issues.