620.1 General (MUTCD Chapter 3A)

620.1.1 Standardization of Application (MUTCD Section 3A.01)

Support. Markings are used to supplement other traffic control devices such as signs, signals, and other markings. In other instances, markings are used alone to effectively convey regulations, warnings, or guidance in ways not obtainable by the use of other devices.

Markings can take many forms including road surface markings, curb markings, delineators, colored pavements, and channelizing devices.

Standard. Each standard marking shall be used only to convey the meaning prescribed for that marking in the EPG, including when used for applications not described in the EPG.

Except as provided in EPG 620.7, all markings on MoDOT highways shall be retroreflective.

Markings that are no longer applicable for roadway conditions or restrictions and that might cause confusion for the road user shall be removed or obliterated to be unidentifiable as a marking as soon as practicable.

620.1.2 Materials (MUTCD Section 3A.02)

Guidance. The materials used for markings should provide the specified color throughout their useful life.

Consideration should be given to selecting pavement marking materials that will minimize tripping or loss of traction for road users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists.

Support. See EPG 620.11 for additional information regarding MoDOT pavement marking materials.

620.1.3 Colors (MUTCD Section 3A.03)

Standard. Markings shall be yellow, white, red, blue, or purple. The colors for markings shall conform to the standard highway colors.

Option. Black markings may be used in combination with the colors mentioned in the previous paragraph to enhance the contrast with a light-colored pavement.

Standard. When used, yellow markings for longitudinal lines shall delineate:

A. The separation of traffic traveling in opposite directions,

B. The left-hand edge of the roadways of divided highways and one-way streets or ramps, or

C. The separation of two-way left-turn lanes from other lanes.

When used, white markings for longitudinal lines shall delineate:

A. The separation of traffic flows in the same direction, or

B. The right-hand edge of the roadway

When used, red inlaid pavement markers or delineators shall delineate:

A. Truck escape ramps, or

B. One-way roadways, ramps, or travel lanes that shall not be entered or used in the direction from which the markers are visible.

When used, blue markings shall supplement white markings for parking spaces for persons with disabilities.

When pavement markings that simulate route signs are used (see EPG 620.2.21), the colors shall be the same as those that are used for the route signs (see Section 2D.11).

Support. Provisions regarding colored pavements are contained in EPG 620.7.

620.1.4 Functions, Widths, and Patterns of Longitudinal Pavement Markings (MUTCD Section 3A.04)

Standard. The general functions of longitudinal lines shall be as follows:

A. A double line indicates maximum or special restrictions.

B. A solid line discourages or prohibits crossing (depending on the specific application).

C. A broken (intermittent) line indicates a permissive condition.

D. A dotted lane line provides warning of a downstream change in lane function.

E. A dotted line used as a lane line or edge line extension guides vehicles through an intersection, a taper area, or an interchange ramp area.

The widths and patterns of longitudinal lines shall be as follows:

A. Normal line shall be as indicated in Table 620.1.4:

B. Wide line—twice the width of a normal line.

C. Double line—two 4-inch parallel lines separated by a 4-inch gap. The pavement surface shall be visible between the lines in the same way that it is visible outside the lines, except where contrast markings are used in combination with the double line (see EPG 620.1.3).

D. Broken (intermittent) line—10-foot normal width line segments separated by 30-foot gaps.

E. Dotted lane line—3-foot line segments separated by 9-foot gaps where a dotted line is used as a lane line (see EPG 620.2.8).

F. Dotted line extension—2-foot line segments separated by 4-foot gaps within an intersection, taper area, or interchange ramp area (see EPG 620.2.13). The width of a dotted line extension shall be at least the same as the width of the line it extends.

Support. EPG 912 (MUTCD Section 5B.02) contains information on pavement marking considerations for driving automation systems.

See EPG 626.1 and EPG 626.2 for information on edge line and center line rumble strips.

620.1.5 Maintaining Minimum Pavement Marking Retroreflectivity (MUTCD Section 3A.05)

Standard. MoDOT shall use an assessment method that is designed to maintain pavement marking retroreflectivity above the minimum standards of the MUTCD. See EPG 620.13 for test procedures and minimum retroreflectivity requirements.

Local jurisdictions who maintain sections of state routes and the pavement markings on those sections under maintenance agreements shall maintain those markings in accordance with one of the MUTCD assessment methods.

Support. The provisions of EPG 620.1.5 do not apply to non-longitudinal pavement markings including, but not limited to, the following:

A. Transverse markings;

B. Word, symbol, and arrow markings;

C. Crosswalk markings; and

D. Chevron, diagonal, and crosshatch markings.

Special circumstances will periodically cause pavement marking retroreflectivity to be below the minimum levels. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. Isolated locations of abnormal degradation;

B. Periods preceding imminent resurfacing or reconstruction;

C. Unanticipated events such as equipment breakdowns, material shortages, and contracting problems; and

D. Loss of retroreflectivity resulting from snow maintenance operations.

When such circumstances occur, compliance with the first standard paragraph of EPG 620.1.5 is still considered to be achieved if a reasonable course of action is taken to resume maintenance of minimum retroreflectivity in a timely manner according to MoDOT’s method(s), policies, and procedures.