Development of a Pavement Marking Life Cycle Cost Tool

Abstract

Pavement marking materials can be broadly classified into two types: durable and nondurable. The durable markings have a longer service life compared with the nondurable and, thus, need to be replaced less frequently. The material cost of the durable markings is higher compared with the nondurable markings. However, the durable markings have several benefits compared with the nondurable markings. Durable markings require less frequent striping resulting in less traffic delays faced due to marking installation and fewer accidents due to fewer work zone closures. The administrative costs associated with contracting and monitoring the work is also lower for durable markings due to less frequent contracting. The primary purpose of this project is to explore the cost differences between durable and nondurable markings, and how various factors can impact the life cycle cost of different marking materials. Researchers developed a life cycle cost calculator that considers the various costs associated with pavement markings to assist in comparing total costs of different marking materials. All costs associated with the implementation of pavement marking projects are considered, including material and installation costs, traffic delay costs and crash costs due to marking installations, and administrative costs to cover contracting and management of the pavement marking assets. This life cycle cost calculator would be another tool that decision makers could use to help choose the most cost-effective pavement marking for the selected input condition.