Road Markings, Barriers & Workzone Protection

Everyone connected with the highway industry is involved in the efforts to cut down the number of work zone accidents. Patrick Smith reports. A few months ago, as road work resumed on America's highways and bridges, US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called on drivers to use extra caution in work zones. At the same time he commended the success in reducing overall roadway fatalities in each of the last seven years.

According to Danish road marking equipment manufacturer Borum, for road marking contractors completing a project on time and on budget requires the right machines, materials, and a skilled operator. "But, even with a great team and perfect road marking conditions, issues can arise that effect operations and require support. And that's when a road marking equipment supplier who can provide quick back-up, reliable service and onsite training is vital," says the company.

Danish company DELTA has launched its new LTL-M mobile retroreflectometer. The company, a leading supplier of retroreflectometers for road markings and road signs, says that until now hand-held retroreflectometers have been the only instruments accurate enough and accepted for contractual valid measurements of road markings. However, it points to laboratory and field tests performed by the Swedish Road Research Institute (VTI), which compared the LTL-M, an existing mobile retrometer and using a hand-held in

Manufacturers are constantly upgrading marking materials and equipment. Now those responsible for highways are being asked to do more as Patrick Smith reports. A recent report claimed that nearly one-third of the length of Britain's single carriageway A-roads have white lines so worn out that they do not meet recognised standards. According to the LifeLines Report, an assessment of more than 2,400km of the road network, Britain's most dangerous roads have the most worn-out centre line markings of all, leavi

Work on an award-winning US bridge was completed with savings and benefits to motorists through the help of an innovative barrier. The bridge replacement of US 31 over I-465 and Lick Creek in southern Indianapolis, state capital of Indiana, won the 2011 Honor Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Indiana. Stephen J. Christian & Associates of Indianapolis completed the design in less than nine months to allow Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to take advantage of the favourab

Italian company Fracasso says it now offers a barrier system developed around a modular design concept to meet an array of needs. Called 4safe, the system is said to combine high safety standards along with versatility in use. The system is said to be easy to assemble and uses common components that can be assembled in different ways to meet varying containment requirements. The 3n beam is the key to the range and has been proven in TB11 impact testing. Where required the system can be assembled to H4 stand

Delays to better barrier safety pose further risks for Europe's powered two wheeled riders. The issue of safety for powered two wheeler riders (PTWRs) is a matter of some debate in Europe. Although Europe's PTWRs make up a mere fraction of the vehicle population, they figure highly in accident statistics. Safety provisions could be improved using available technology but a recent political decision has downgraded the importance of such a move.

Equipment, materials and testing combine to offer motorists better road markings as Patrick Smith reports Drivers realise that clear road markings, particularly in darkness and during the wet, are life-savers, offering guidance and direction. Manufacturers of marking materials, in-road studs, and testing and laying equipment have spent years perfecting solutions to make such markings easier to place; easier to see through the use of a variety of materials, and longer lasting. Sophisticated testing equip