Effective Removal of Pavement Markings
The objective of this research is to determine best practices for the safe, cost-effective, and environmentally acceptable removal of work zone and permanent pavement markings with minimal damage to the underlying pavement or visible character of the surface course. Questions to be answered include the following:
1. Are there chemical removal systems (perhaps organic, like citrus-based bituminous solvents) that are environmentally acceptable?
2. Are there mechanical processes, such as a combination of heat and power tools, that can effectively remove the markings?
3. Are there methods of applying a durable coating over the existing pavement marking that will blend in to the appearance of the pavement, perhaps by using color matching technology? Or can the full width of the pavement be covered completely in a cost-effective manner without losing friction characteristics?
4. How much removal is adequate to meet the MUTCD requirements?
5. How much tolerance is there for altering the pavement surface?
6. Is the removal technique of a reasonable cost for materials, equipment, and labor?
