Roadway Striping Procedure

The following outlines how and why the Town of Truckee Public Works Department carries out its annual Roadway Striping and Marking Project, consistent with industry standards and best practices.

Timing

Due to Truckee’s harsh mountain climate, including heavy snowfall, ongoing snow removal, and hot, dry summers at high elevation, roadway striping and markings must be repainted each season. The striping season typically begins in the spring as weather conditions allow, with a goal of completing all work before July 4th.

Application Requirements

To ensure that paint adheres properly and dries efficiently, striping is ideally conducted in dry, warm weather, with optimal temperatures ranging between 50°F (10°C) and 85°F (29°C). Roadway edges must be dry and free from residual spring snowmelt. All surfaces to be painted are mechanically swept using street sweepers or cleaned by hand.

Once applied, paint or thermoplastic markings must be allowed to dry or cure, requiring temporary traffic control. Paint may take several hours to dry, depending on conditions, while thermoplastic sets in a matter of minutes but still requires time to cure fully to ensure durability.

Striping Layout

Striping typically begins with the centerline, followed by motor vehicle lane lines, and then bike lanes (with or without buffer zones). The specific types, widths, and placement of lines are based on local and state design guidelines and safety standards. The overall goal is to provide clear, consistent, and visible guidance to all road users, including motorists and cyclists.

Why the Centerline is Applied First

1. Primary Reference Point: The centerline serves as the main reference for aligning all other roadway markings.
2. Lane Symmetry: Establishing the centerline first ensures consistent and symmetrical lane widths on both sides of the road.
3. Accuracy in Complex Areas: Centerline-first striping helps maintain correct alignment in areas where the road widens or intersects.
4. Efficient Layout of Other Markings: It allows accurate placement of turn lanes, stop bars, parking areas, and bike lanes. If bike lanes are painted before the centerline, it could lead to misalignment and confusion, especially near intersections.

Typical Roadway Striping Sequence

1. Site Preparation
   • Sweep the road surface thoroughly. Striping must be delayed until the risk of further snow removal or sanding is minimal.
   • Use chalk lines or temporary markers to lay out the proposed striping pattern, including lane widths and bike lane positions.
2. Centerline Application
   • Apply the center (yellow) line first. This is generally placed at the midpoint of the roadway to act as the baseline for all subsequent markings.
3. Lane Markings
   • Mark motor vehicle lanes next, using solid or dashed white lines as appropriate. On multi-lane roads, additional markings are added as needed.
4. Bike Lane Markings
   • Apply bike lane lines after motor vehicle lanes to ensure proper placement.
   • Buffered or protected bike lanes are added next, including separation lines between bike and vehicle lanes.
5. Edge Lines
   • Add solid white edge lines where needed to delineate the road boundary and separate the bike lane from the shoulder or pavement edge.
6. Additional Symbols or Markings
   • Paint bike lane symbols (bike icons) within designated bike lanes for clear identification.
7. Inspection and Final Adjustments
   • Conduct a final inspection to ensure accuracy, clarity, and visibility.
   • Perform any necessary touch-ups or corrections.

By following this methodical sequence, the Town of Truckee ensures that roadway markings are applied in a logical, safe, and efficient manner. Starting with the centerline guarantees consistency in spacing and placement for all subsequent markings, reducing the likelihood of errors and enhancing overall roadway safety for all users.