Synthesizing Best Practices for Long-Life Pavement Markings

Proper pavement markings are essential in enhancing roadway users' safety. This paper is to (1) carefully synthesize the usage of various types of pavement marking materials, (2) develop recommendations concerning different US states and several foreign countries, and (3) compare them with pavement marking practices by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). A comprehensive online survey collected a wide range of practical information for marking material types and quality control approaches, types of specifications, and application rate verification from field engineers of various US states and other countries. In addition, manuals and research papers/reports related to pavement marking materials for other state-level departments of transportation and foreign countries have been thoroughly reviewed and synthesized. The research team recommends adopting the best practices to improve the TxDOT existing handbook. This will promote the use of new marking materials and technologies and extend the service life of pavement markings in Texas.