Transportation and Transit
Is there an approved paint tough enough to withstand sanding, scraping and the daily pounding of thousands of tires? The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure intends to find out by testing new types of paint on B.C. highways.
Pavement marking is done at least once a year, but the water-based paints that meet federal environmental standards for emission of Volatile Organic Compounds wear differently than the old oil-based products, which were discontinued in 2010.
This year, test strips will be painted on three sections of highways that represent the various weather conditions and traffic that paint must endure. The test paint will be applied horizontally across one lane, with four-inch stripes of white and yellow paint. Test locations will be near Prince George and Kamloops, and at a location to be determined in the south coast region; the areas will have signs so motorists will know that testing is underway. Over one year, the products will be tested for durability, longevity and reflective qualities.
The results of these tests should provide information on the performance of different types of paints and paint thicknesses, to measure how they withstand the elements, including the application of abrasives and winter plowing.
Quote:
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone -
“Faded lane markings are one of the top concerns I hear from drivers across this province. Lane and road-edge lines are an important safety feature on our highways. This test involves different formulations of environmentally-acceptable paint to identify the ones that will work best on our highways.”
Quick Facts:
- Throughout the province, line painting contractors repaint over 30,000 kilometres of centre and lane lines every year, at a cost of over $10 million annually.
- The paint used reflects light because it has tiny, specially-designed glass beads in it.
Learn more:
http://tranbc.ca/2011/10/26/golden-oatmeal-glows-for-safety/#sthash.Q6jUn9nB.dpbs
Media Contacts:
Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241
