620.1 General (MUTCD Chapter 3A)

Forms

Field Striping Materials Record

Striping Progress Reporting Form

2008 Roadway Visibility Direction (2/29/08)

Standard Paint JSP

Wet Reflective JSP

Contrast JSP

Restored and New Bid Items

620.1.1 Functions and Limitations (MUTCD Section 3A.01)

Support. Markings on highways have important functions in providing guidance and information for the road user. Major marking types include pavement and curb markings, object markers, delineators, colored pavements, barricades, channelizing devices and islands. In some cases, 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, guidance, or warnings in ways not obtainable by the use of other devices.

Markings have limitations. Visibility of the markings can be limited by snow, debris, and water on or adjacent to the markings. Marking durability is affected by material characteristics, traffic volumes, weather, and location. However, under most highway conditions, markings provide important information while allowing minimal diversion of attention from the roadway.

Pavement markings can enhance roadway delineation with the addition of audible and tactile features such as bars, differential surface profiles, milled rumble strips, or other devices intended to alert the road user that a delineation on the roadway is being traversed.

The general functions of longitudinal lines are:

• A double line indicates maximum or special restrictions,
• A solid line discourages or prohibits crossing (depending on the specific application),
• A broken line indicates a permissive condition, and
• A dotted line provides guidance.

620.1.1.1 Legal Authority

Standard. Traffic control devices within the right of way will be placed and maintained by the Missouri Department of Transportation in accordance with Sections 226.010 and 227.220 of the Revised Statutes of the State of Missouri.

Pavement, curbs and other additionally approved markings on state roadways shall be placed only by the authority of the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission.

Delineators and markings on objects warning of their close proximity within the roadway right-of-way are subject to the same jurisdictional regulations.

620.1.2 Standardization of Application (MUTCD Section 3A.02)

Standard. Each standard marking shall be used only to convey the meaning prescribed for that marking in this Manual. When used for applications not described herein, markings shall conform in all respects to the principles and standards set forth herein.

Guidance. Before any new highway, paved detour, or temporary route is opened to traffic, all necessary markings should be in place.

Standard. 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 practical. All markings on MoDOT highways shall be retroreflective.

620.1.3 Materials (MUTCD Section 3A.03)

Support. Pavement and curb markings are commonly placed by using paints; however, other suitable marking materials, including raised pavement markers and colored pavements, are also used. Delineators, object markers, barricades, and channelizing devices are visibly placed in a vertical position similar to signs above the roadway.

Standard marking equipment has the capability of placing single or double, broken or solid lines in both white and yellow on the pavement surface.

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 pedestrians and bicyclists. Object markers and delineators should not present a vertical or horizontal clearance obstacle for pedestrians.

Support. The materials that MoDOT uses for pavement marking and their typical applications are:

A. High Build Waterborne Paint - This material is used by MoDOT forces, it can also be used by contractors when specified. High build paint is applied at a wet thickness of 20 mils. Glass beads are then applied when the line is wet to provide retroreflectivity (See Materials General Services Special Provisions (MGS) for High Build White and Yellow Waterborne Traffic Marking Paint and Type PM Glass Beads for Application on Pavement Marking Material).

B. Acrylic Copolymer Paint - This material is used by contractors when specified. It is typically used as a temporary paint stripe on projects. Acrylic copolymer paint is an acetone-based material that can be used at lower temperatures than waterborne. Acrylic copolymer paint is normally applied at a wet thickness of 15 mils. Glass beads are then applied when the line is wet to provide retroreflectivity.

C. Epoxy - Epoxy pavement marking is a two-component epoxy resin and amine curing agent material that is available in slow cure, Type A, and fast cure, Type B, formulations used on major roads more than 1 mile (1.6 km) in length. Epoxy is used on asphalt surfaces only on major roads. Epoxy is normally applied at a wet thckness of 25 mils. Glass beads are then applied when the line is wet to provide retroflectivity.

1. Type A epoxy pavement marking is a slow cure material that provides better adhesion to all surfaces and can be used for roads not open to traffic. Curing time for Type A epoxy under optimum conditoins is approximately 45 minutes.

2. Type B epoxy pavement marking is a fast cure material used on major roads, open to traffic. Curing time for Type B epoxy under optimum conditions is approximately 10 minutes. Cones can be used to protect the marking during the cure period.

D. Polyrurea - Polyurea pavement marking is a two component material. Polyurea is used on concrete surfaces only on major roads. There have been problems with polyurea damaging asphalt surfaces. Polyurea is used on major roads. Polyurea is normally applied at a wet thickness of 25 mils. Glass beads are then applied when the line is wet to provide retroreflectivity.

E. Preformed Pavement Marking Tape - Preformed pavement marking tape has an adhesive plastic backing and retroreflective surface.

Type 2 - Type 2 preformed pavement marking tape should be used on new surfaces or where there is at least 8 years of pavement service life remaining. Remaining service life is defined as the period before any preventative maintenance is required. Type 2 preformed pavement marking tape should only be used for lane lines or solid white storage lines. Type 2 preformed pavement marking tape is installed in a groove which is included in the pay item for Type 2 preformed pavement marking. Type 2 preformed pavement marking tape is the preferred materials for intersection markings.

MoDOT currently has a contract with the 3M Company for the installation of Type 2 longitudinal markings on divided major roads.

F. Preformed Removable Pavement Marking Tape - Preformed removable tape is used to delineate traffic lanes during construction. Preformed removable tape does not require special equipment to install or remove, however material costs are high, so it may only be cost effective in small quantities. The primary advantage is that the removal of this tape is inexpensive and will not scar the pavement. The primary disadvantes of tape are the higher material cost and weather constraints for installation. When establishing contract times and milestones, the potential timing of paving activites and weather constraints should be considered when selecting temporary pavement marking. A pay item for removal of the marking tape will be included if removal is required.

G. Preformed Short-Term Pavement Marking Tape - Short-term pavement marking tape is used in locations where the marking will be in place no more than two weeks. It is cost effective only in small quantities. Short-term pavement marking is not normally removed. If removal is required, removable tape is the preferred material. Short term marking should not be used for temporary lane transitions or bypasses.

H. Temporary Raised Pavement Markers - Temporary raised pavement markers are used on contract leveling course and resurfacing projects on two or three lane roadways with no passing zone center striping to provide a temporary centerline until permanent marking is replaced. Temporary raised pavement markers are used in combination with the No Center Stripe sign. Temporary markers should also be used to provide a temporary lane line on 2-lane roadways with climbing lanes. Temporary markers may also be used to supplement other pavement marking in areas where emphasis is needed, such as on bypasses and lane transitions.

Markers dividing two lanes of traffic in the same direction have one reflective face that is white in color. Markers dividing two lanes of traffic in opposite directions have two opposing reflective faces that are yellow in color. Edge line markers are yellow for the left edge line and white for the right edge line. Where markers are used to emphasize edge lines in sharp curves or tapers, recommended spacing is 15 ft. (4.5 m). Where they are used to emphasize intermittent lines or solid lines in tangent sections, recommended spacing is 40 ft. (12 m). Other spacing may be used according to conditions.

Temporary raised pavement markers are used to provide temporary edgeline markings. They are also used to provide temporary lane line markings on major divided roads where the permanent marking is to be installed by the 3M contract. See Standard Plan 620.10 for details on using temporary raised pavement markers.

1. Type 1 temporary raised pavement markers are used primarily on pavement surface treatment projects. Surface treatment is defined as any pavement surfacing as defined in Section 413 of the Standard Specifications. Type 1 markers are used for temporary edgeline marking and as part of the "cluster" marking of temporary lane lines.

2. Type 2 temporary raised pavement markers should be used on all "hard surface" projects.

Temporary raised pavement markers do require removal after the permanent marking is in place. They do not require a pay item for removal.

I. Snowplowable Raised Pavement Markers - Snowplowable raised pavement markers (SRPMs)consist of an iron casting to which is attached a replaceable prismatic retroreflector for reflecting light longitudinally along the pavement from either one or two directions as specified. MoDOT no longer installs any new SRPMs.

Standard. Pavement marking material requirements for the next calendar year's program, less existing material from the previous season, shall be due in the Traffic Division by the 1st of November. From this submittal, bids shall be taken for the following year's supply. The districts shall be responsible for contacting the material suppliers to arrange delivery.

Standard. SRPMs are not being installed new on any more projects. Districts can maintain existing SRPMs at their own expense. The districts must assure SRPMs that remain in the pavement are regularly inspected. Where cold milling is being done, the removal of the SRPMs is included in the cost of cold milling. On surface treatment and resurfacing projects SRPMs shall be removed before application of the surface treatment or resurfacing. SRPMs shall not be left in place and covered by surface treatment or resurfacing.

Support. The night visibility of pavement markings is a direct result of the presence and quantity of the spherical glass "beads" that are embedded in the pavement marking material. There are two types of glass beads used by MoDOT.

A. Type PM Beads – These are an intermediate blend of glass beads. These beads are used by MoDOT striping forces.

B. Type P Beads – These are the variation of the type PM beads used by contractors.

Standard. The contract with the suppliers of glass beads stipulates the beads shall be shipped in containers of a design and a nominal weight specified in the contract specifications, and the supplier shall certify the weight and packaging. If stacking of these containers is required for storage, they shall not be stacked higher than the manufacturer's recommendation.

Guidance. Glass beads are applied to the wet paint at a rate of 10 pounds per gallon of paint. On contractor applied pavement markings, the glass beads are applied at a rate determined by the contractor to meet the minimum retroreflectivity requirements of the contract.

Glass beads should be stored in a location that will provide adequate protection against rain, snow or other forms of moisture.

The bead guns on the stripers should be calibrated frequently to assure the proper application rate of beads is being applied to the painted line. The frequency of these calibrations is dependent on the bead guns and their ability to maintain a constant flow of beads. The calibration should be accomplished using an appropriate bead calibration kit. These kits contain a table to calculate the appropriate flow of beads for a given speed of the striper. This calibration should be performed a minimum of once every week of operation.

The form Field Striping Materials Record may be used by field crews to record the quantity of material used on each route and section.

Standard. The form shall not to be sent to the Traffic Division; it is provided only for district use to provide information for completing various district reports (see Figure 3A-2). Spot checks shall be made daily by field personnel to determine that the desired quantities of paint and beads are being applied.

Guidance. Spot checks should be performed using two methods. The first method is accomplished with the aid of an aluminum sign panel placed ahead of the striper on which the paint, without beads, is to be applied and a mil thickness gauge used to read the wet paint mil thickness. The bead application rate should also be checked at this time by measuring the volume of beads being dispensed over a given time period. These methods should be used to calibrate the striper at the beginning of each day. The second method involves checking the amount of material used, both paint and beads, versus the miles marked. This method should be used through out the remainder of the day to verify the proper material application rates are being maintained.

620.1.4 Colors (MUTCD Section 3A.04)

Markings shall be yellow, white, or blue. The colors for markings shall conform to the standard highway colors. Black in conjunction with one of the above colors shall be a usable color.

When used, white markings for longitudinal lines shall delineate:

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

B. The right edge of the roadway.

C. Channelizing lines.

D. Approaches to obstructions that may be passed on either side.

E. Turn markings.

F. Stop bars.

G. Pedestrian crosswalks.

H. Symbol markings.

I. Islands that may be passed on either side.

J. Curbs and wall (right side of roadway).

When used, yellow markings for longitudinal lines shall delineate:

A. The separation of traffic traveling in opposite directions.

1. No passing zones on two or three lane roads.

2. Pavement width transitions.

3. Approaches to obstruction that must be passed on the right.

4. Approaches to railroad crossings.

5. Approaches to STOP signs.

B. The left edge of the roadways of divided and one-way highways and ramps.

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

D. Islands that must be passed only on the right.

E. Curbs and walls (left side of roadway).

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

Option. Black may be used in combination with the above colors where a light-colored pavement does not provide sufficient contrast with the markings.

Support. When used in combination with other colors, black is not considered a marking color, but only a contrast-enhancing system for the markings.

620.1.5 Widths and Patterns of Longitudinal Pavement Markings (MUTCD Section 3A.05)

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

A. A normal line is 4 in. (100 mm) wide on minor roads and 6 in. (150 mm) wide for all white lines and yellow edgelines on major roads. The normal width of yellow centerline markings on major roads is 4 in. (100 mm).

B. A wide line is at least twice the width of a normal line. The width of the line indicates the degree of emphasis.

C. A double line consists of two parallel lines separated by a discernible space.

D. A broken line consists of normal line segments separated by gaps.

E. A dotted line shall consist of noticeably shorter line segments separated by shorter gaps than used for a broken line. The width of a dotted line shall be at least the same as the width of the line it extends.

Broken lines shall consist of 10 ft. (3 m) line segments and 30 ft. (9 m) gaps. A broken line shall be used to delineate two adjacent lanes of traffic where crossing the line with caution is permitted.

A normal broken white line shall be used delineate the edge of travel path where travel is permitted in the same direction on both sides of the line. Its most frequent application is as a lane line of a multi-lane roadway.

A normal broken yellow line shall be used to delineate the left edge of a travel path where travel on the other side of the line is the opposite direction. A frequent application is a centerline of a two lane, two-way roadway where overtaking and passing is permitted with due care and caution.

A double normal broken line shall delineate the edge of a lane in which the direction of travel is changed from time to time, such as reversible lanes.

Solid lines shall be used to delineate two adjacent lanes of traffic where crossing the line is discouraged, as well as being used mark the edge of the pavement.

A solid white line shall be used delineate adjacent lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction where crossing the line is discouraged. A frequent application is a lane line approaching an intersection, right edge line or gore areas at exit ramps.

A solid yellow line shall be used as a guide or regulatory line to the left of which it is unsafe or illegal to travel. Where a combination solid and broken lines are used, the solid yellow or barrier line has significance only if it is on the right-hand side of this combination as viewed by the driver (i.e. in or adjacent to the traffic lane to which it applies). A solid line shall also be used to mark the left edge line such as on a ramp.

Option. A dotted line for line extensions may consist of 2 ft. (0.6 m) line segments and 2 ft. (0.6 m) to 6 ft. (1.8 m) gaps. A dotted line for lane drop/add markings may consist of 3 ft. (0.9 m)line segments and 9 ft. (2.7 m) gaps.

620.1.6 Permanent Pavement Markings

The selection of permanent pavement markings shall be based on the following table.

	Divided Highways		Undivided Highways
	Lane Lines	All Other Markings	All Markings
Major Roads	Type 2 Tape - Installed by 3M Contract	Epoxy on Asphalt	Epoxy on Asphalt
		Polyurea on Concrete	Polyurea on Concrete
Minor Roads	High Build Paint	High Build Paint	High Build Paint
MoDOT Forces	High Build Paint	High Build Paint	High Build Paint
Intersection Markings	Type 2 Tape - All Locations

Support. Contract work consists of furnishing and installing Type 2 preformed marking tape, acrylic copolymer paint, high build waterborne paint, polyurea or epoxy pavement marking.

Standard. On the final lift of resurfacing projects and on all new pavements, all pavement marking will be provided by contract. On surface treatment projects, all pavement marking will be provided by MoDOT.

Standard. All permanent marking materials shall be installed in accordance with the manufacture's recommendations.

620.1.7 Temporary Pavement Markings

Support. Temporary pavement marking consists of furnishing, installing, and maintaining pavement marking in work zones. Standard Plan 620.10 shows layouts for typical situations.

Paint requires special equipment to install and remove, however material costs are low, so it is cost effective to install in large quantities. The advantage of paint is that it can be installed faster than other types of pavement marking material. This is particularly an advantage where striping must be placed and removed under traffic. The primary disadvantage is that the removal of paint is expensive and will result in scarring of the pavement. A pay item for removal of paint will be included if removal is required.

On final wearing surfaces, preformed removable marking tape is the preferred temporary pavement marking material. Preformed removable tape is used to delineate traffic lanes during construction as described above under pavement marking paint. Preformed removable tape does not require special equipment to install or remove, however material costs are high, so it may only be cost effective in small quantities. The primary advantage is that the removal of this tape is inexpensive and will not scar the pavement. The primary disadvantages of tape are the higher material cost and weather constraints for installation. A pay item for removal of the marking tape will be included if removal is required.

Short-term pavement marking tape is used in locations where the marking will be in place no more than two weeks. It is cost effective only in small quantities. Short-term pavement marking is not normally removed. If removal is required, removable tape is the preferred material.

Temporary raised pavement markers are used on contract leveling course and resurfacing projects on two or three lane roadways with no passing zone center striping to provide a temporary centerline until permanent marking is replaced. Temporary raised pavement markers are used in combination with the No Center Stripe sign described in Work Zone Signing. Markers dividing two lanes of traffic in the same direction have one reflective face that is white in color. Markers dividing two lanes of traffic in opposite directions have two opposing reflective faces that are yellow in color. Edge line markers are yellow for the left edge line and white for the right edge line. Where markers are used to emphasize edge lines in sharp curves or tapers, recommended spacing is 15 ft. (4.5 m). Where they are used to emphasize intermittent lines or solid lines in tangent sections, recommended spacing is 40 ft. (12 m). Other spacing may be used according to conditions see Raised Pavement Markers (MUTCD Section 3B.11).

Option. Temporary marking tape may be used to establish experimental lanes or intersection markings to determine the markings effectiveness prior to installing the permanent markings. It may also be used to mark temporary centerlines following spot sealing and patching operations.

Temporary pavement marking may be used as a short term replacement for existing marking for grinding, milling and resurfacing, but no direct payment is made to the contractor as described in Standard Specification Section 620.

Waterborne or acrylic copolymer paint may be used on temporary bypasses or any pavement that will be removed at the end of the project or on pavements where resurfacing will cover the striping. Paint may also be used to delineate temporary traffic lanes where the pavement markings are not in their final locations, such as lane shifts during stage construction, however the removal of paint will result in scarring of the pavement. These factors are to be considered before the decision is made to use temporary paint on final wearing surfaces.

Temporary raised pavement markers may also be used to supplement other pavement marking in areas where emphasis is needed, such as on bypasses and lane transitions.

Guidance. Temporary marking should be used with pay items where the traffic pattern has changed during construction due to bypasses, lane shifts, narrow lanes, etc.

When establishing contract times and milestones, the potential timing of paving activities and weather constraints should be considered when selecting temporary pavement marking.

Short term marking should not be used for temporary lane transitions or bypasses.

Type 1 temporary raised pavement markers should be used primarily on pavement surface treatment projects. Type 1 markers are also used for temporary edgeline marking and may be used as part of the "cluster marking" for temporary lane lines. Type 2 temporary raised pavement markers should be used on all other projects. Temporary markers should also be used to provide a temporary lane line on 2-lane roadways with climbing lanes.

Temporary raised pavement markers normally do not require removal unless they conflict with the final marking. When used on divided highways they need to be removed. They do not require a pay item for removal, but if removal is required it should be indicated on the plans.

Reflectorized white and yellow foil marking tape should be kept in stock in MoDOT stockrooms in a 4 in. (100 mm) width to be used for temporary markings.

This material should not recommended for locations where it will be subject to heavy traffic for periods greater than 2 months, in areas of heavy turning movements or on short radius curves. In addition, it should not be used to provide pavement marking following completion of construction projects.

620.1.8 Unauthorized Pavement Marking

Support. In order to preserve the appearance of our highways, it is requested that marking on the roadway, for other than traffic regulations, be held to a minimum. These markings are considered detrimental to the traveling public and an unsightly marring of the roadway.

Standard. All unauthorized pavement markings shall be removed as soon as the district's time schedule will permit.

620.1.9 Marking Off System Routes

Standard. Striping by MoDOT forces shall include the application of a double yellow centerline on state park roads that are a direct extension of a striped state route into the park and that have a surface width of at least 16 ft. (4.8 m). This stripe shall continue to a reasonable and logical conclusion within the park. These operations shall be performed when MoDOT forces are working in the area. Initial marking of state park roads shall only be done after a request has been received in writing from the Department of Natural Resources, State Parks Division. All other striping performed by the department shall be confined to the Missouri Department Of Transportation System. Striping beyond the system for unusual and unique circumstances shall require prior approval by the District Engineer.

620.1.10 Traffic Marking Paint Application Rates

Standard. White and yellow High Build traffic paint should be applied at a thickness (excluding beads) of 20 mils, which is equivalent to 22 gal. (83 liters) of paint per mile for a 4 in. (100 mm) solid line and 33 gallons per mile for a 6 in. (150 mm) solid line.

Option. Heat may be applied to the paint to maintain a uniform viscosity.

Guidance. Water borne paint should not be heated above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius)(Refer to Guidelines for Using Waterborne Traffic Paint for the application of water borne paint).

Option. During marginal weather conditions at the end of the striping season, in November and December, the thickness of the high build paint may be reduced to reduce no-track time.

620.1.11 Maintenance

Guidance. All centerlines and lane lines should be replaced when nighttime visibility is deemed unacceptable:

The following list is a guideline for each district to use to prioritize the routes in their striping program. Engineering judgment should be used to determine when and if each route should be striped. This decision should be based on both the general daytime, and more importantly, the nighttime appearance of the line.

1. Interstate Routes

2. US Routes

3. Principal Arterials of the Missouri Primary System

4. Divided Highways

5. Routes with an Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) volume > 1000

The retroreflectivity inspection should be performed on a section of roadway with a constant grade, no overhead lighting, sitting in the travel lane and measuring the length of marking visible with the high beams of the vehicle on. A line is considered satisfactory if it is visible for a minimum of 200 ft. (60 m) or 5 lane line skips ahead of the vehicle.

Retroreflectivity can also be measured with retroreflectometers. If handheld retroreflectometers are used, the Guidelines for Measurement of Retroreflectivity by Handheld Retroreflectometers should be used.

Option. The level of retroreflectivity may be determined visually at night.

Support. The goal of the department policy is to provide a uniform line, which will command the respect of the traveling public. This will require the matching of the previous year's stripe. This degree of quality can be maintained with our present equipment; however, as is the case in any operation, the striping crew will be the main element in achieving a neat, uniform line.

Standard. At the end of the construction season, MoDOT shall ensure that adequate pavement marking is in place during the winter months on incomplete construction resurfacing projects. The markings required shall provide the appropriate traffic control for the given situation while meeting the guidelines of this manual. If required, a stripe shall be marked on new asphalt type surfaces, or existing old pavement, and will be applied using normal application rates. It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to apply this material to ensure adequate pavement markings are provided during the winter months for the traveling public.

620.1.12 Striping Report

Standard. The Striping Progress Reporting Form will be submitted to the Traffic Division within 2 working days of the 15th and the last day of the month. These reports shall be used to formulate a statewide progress report.

620.1.13 Obliteration of Pavement Markings

This work consists of removing all existing or temporary pavement marking which is conflicting or might mislead traffic. The exception is short term marking tape which should be in place two weeks or less.

During the process of detouring traffic around construction and maintenance areas and incorporating changes in traffic movements, it may be necessary to remove or obliterate inappropriate pavement markings on the roadway. If this is not done properly the original markings can misdirect traffic, resulting in possible conflicts for both motorists and workers.

Standard. The use of asphalt or black paint to cover conflicting markings shall not be allowed.

All removal methods must comply with EPA and MDNR regulations concerning air quality and material disposal.

Guidance. Provisions should be made on the TCP for the removal of all conflicting or misleading markings. Pay items should be provided for removal of pavement marking when required.

Removal or obliteration of inappropriate pavement markings should be performed by one of the following procedures:

1. Mechanical devices, such as grinders, sanders, scrapers, wire brushes or shot blasters.

2. High temperature burning with excess oxygen.

3. Sandblasting.

Where pavement markings have been obliterated, nighttime inspections should be made to verify that the marking is no longer visible and does not interfere with the new pavement markings.

Options. Where mechanical means of marking removal have been employed to completely remove the pavement marking, paint of a color matching the pavement surface or liquid asphalt materials may be used as a temporary means of covering contrasting pavement texture.