PennDOT Defines Conservation Measures to Address Potential Shortages of Approved Waterborne Traffic Paint
On June 14, PennDOT issued Strike-off Letter SOL 420-10-01 to define conservation measures which have been approved by FHWA. These measures can be used at the project level on the request of the prime contractor to address potential material shortages for the 2010 construction season. All measures must be approved by the District Traffic Engineer prior to implementation.
When necessary, Contractors should propose conservation measures for approval with a minimum of three weeks lead time. The change order process must be utilized to document any proposed project changes.
The SOL lists conservation measures that will be considered including:
- No-cost substitution of of other Bulletin 15 approved pavement markings such as epoxy based or thermoplastic markings.
- No-cost alternate use of temporary pavement marking tape or nonplowable raised pavement markers for Work Area Pavement Marking.
- Depending on the highway classification and required service life, reduced-cost conservation measures (which must include the use of glass beads) such as:
- Reduction of (Bulletin 15 approved) paint application to 4 inches wide and 12 mills thick 2.
- Use of alternative paints listed in the SOL
- Elimination of non-essential markings or legends, such as fill lines in gore areas
- Reduction of (Bulletin 15 approved) paint application to 4 inches wide and 12 mills thick 2.
In instances when, despite the use of conservation measures, contractors find that they cannot efficiently install the permanent pavement markings included in the contract, the Department will, upon notification, consider removal of all or portions of the work from the contract, a no-cost time extension, or other remedies.
To view the complete Strike-off Letter, go here.