Project Details

Pavement markers improve the safety of the traveling public.  They are used throughout our state to support the traveling public during dark and inclement weather to navigate lanes with improved lane visibility.  While effective, NCDOT wants to evaluate alternative snowplowable pavement marker materials, types, and alternatives to determine if there are any options that are safer, easier to install and/or more cost effective once they become more common; as well as result in less maintenance requirements. 

​A survey was conducted in 2019 to gauge pavement marker use across the country.  The department learned that many states had stopped all metal casting snowplowable pavement markers use, some states had stopped all raised pavement markers altogether, and other states were evaluating alternatives to metal casted markers. Based on marker damage impacts when loosened and dislodged and national direction, research was needed to make the best decision for NCDOT going forward to ensure roadway safety as well as reduce the possible occurances of dislodged markers leading to dangerous conditions during those instances.  These alternatives are also being considered for wet/night visibility.