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Temporary markings are pavement markings or devices placed within Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) zones to provide road users with a clearly defined path of travel through the TTC zone when the permanent markings are either removed or obliterated during the work activities. Temporary markings are typically needed during the reconstruction of a road while it is open to traffic, such as overlays or surface treatments or where lanes are temporarily shifted.
Back to topPavement Markings
Pavement markings provide positive guidance for road users, especially when traffic must be moved out of its normal path to accommodate construction and maintenance activities. For a single lane of traffic, positive guidance can be accomplished using channelizing devices. But when multiple lanes in the same direction are shifted from the normal path, pavement markings are required to provide road users with proper guidance.
When pavement markings are used to shift traffic at a diagonal across a permanent lane surface, removable tape is required. Removal of painted temporary marking causes pavement scarring, which could lead to driver confusion when the roadway is returned to normal traffic.
Back to topShifts and Crossovers
When traffic is moved laterally from its normal path, shifting tapers or reverse curves are used to delineate these maneuvers, see Figure 1. Eight-inch-wide temporary pavement markings should be used to delineate traffic shifts. On high-speed roadways, the shifts should include lead-in and lead-out longitudinal pavement markings.
Figure 1: Shifting tapers and reverse curves
Raised Pavement Markers
Raised pavement markers (RPMs) are used to supplement standard pavement markings when a higher degree of nighttime visibility is warranted, see Figure 1. Use RPMs on long term, multilane freeways and expressways to delineate shifts and crossovers. To reduce the likelihood of vehicles off tracking and dislodging the RPMs, place the RPMs 9 to 12 inches outside of the right and left edge lines. RPMs should be spaced at 10 feet on center to supplement a solid line. The color of the RPM should be the same as the pavement marking that it supplements.
Back to topDelineators
Delineators are post mounted retroreflective units with minimum dimensions of approximately 3 inches in diameter. The reflector units can be seen from up to 1,000 feet under normal conditions when reflecting the high beam of standard automobile headlights.
Delineators should not be used alone as channelizing devices in work zones but may be used to supplement the other channelizing devices in outlining the correct vehicle path. To be effective, several delineators need to be seen at the same time. The color of the delineator should be the same as the pavement marking that it supplements. Delineators are not to be used in lieu of arrows, chevrons, signs, or any other warning devices.
Post mounted delineators should be used with on-site detours and shoulder runarounds. They should be spaced no more than 50 feet apart when placed in work zones. See SI-172 for general information regarding delineators.
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