Pavement Marking Lines pt.2
Posted by Jesse Willoughby on Mon, Jun 01, 2009 @ 05:40 AM
Crosswalks
On roads where traffic is not controlled by signals or
stop signs, crosswalk markings warn the motorist of a
pedestrian crossing point. On controlled intersections,
crosswalk markings primarily guide pedestrians in the
proper paths. Do not use crosswalk markings indiscriminately.
Only an engineering study should recommend
installing crosswalks where there are no traffic signals
or stop signs.
Crosswalk lines are two parallel solid white lines
normally spaced 6' (minimum) apart. They shall be a
minimum of 6" and maximum of 24" in width. Wider
lines may be considered when, for example:
• Traffic speeds are above 35 MPH.
• There is no advance stop line.
• Drivers don't expect crosswalks.
Colored pavements alone are not considered a traffic
control device. Crosswalk lines must outline them.
For added visibility, mark the area inside the crosswalk
with white diagonal lines at a 45-degree angle.
These lines should be about 12"-24" wide and spaced
12"-60" apart. Use these diagonal lines on crosswalks at
unexpected areas, where many pedestrians are crossing
without any other traffic control device, and where
physical conditions make added visibility desirable.
Pedestrian crossing signs are also useful. Zebra stripes
(lines longitudinal to traffic flow) provide added visibility
and target value especially at roundabouts. See the
roundabout photo on page 6, for an example.
Railroad crossings
Special pavement markings are required before railroad
crossings with signals or automatic gates and at all
crossings where the prevailing speed of highway traffic
is 40 MPH or higher. Railroad
crossing pavement markings may be omitted in special
situations such as:
highway speed limit or prevailing speed is 35 MPH or
less and there are no active RR warning devices, or
• track is a minor spur where trains operate at 15 MPH
or less, or
• approach distance is less than 250' rural or 100' urban.
Pavement markings before a grade crossing are an
"X" with an "RR" behind them. A wide line is placed
above and below the "X". Identical markings must be
placed on each approach lane. All markings should be
white and reflectorized. Stop bars must extend from the
centerline to the edge of the pavement at 90 degrees to
the direction of travel. Place the W10-1 round RR warning
sign at the first cross line. A stop bar at railroad
tracks should be no closer than 25' from the nearest rail.
