Pavement marking paint test in the works
Joe Putherickal, manufactured materials engineer with the Iowa DOT, is testing a new durable waterborne paint on 20 miles of Highway 65/5 around Des Moines. A couple of years ago, the paint performed well on a three-mile stretch of I-35 near Ankeny. Now he wants to know if it works just as well on a larger scale.
Putherickal is testing two different paint resins from two of the largest resin companies. Paint based on one resin was used for lines in one direction; paint based on another resin was used for lines in the other direction.
The cost was less than $0.10 per foot, compared to installed cost of between $0.60 and $3.00 per foot for other markings, such as epoxy, poly urea, and preformed tape.
Several other states are already using the paint, so Putherickal’s hopes are high. If successful, the painted lines will remain bright for two or three years.
For more information, contact Joe Putherickal, 515-239-1259, joseph.putherickal@dot.iowa.gov.
Editor’s note
CTRE has been working on planning, developing, and implementing Iowa pavement marking management. Next issue, Technology News will highlight CTRE’s project.
