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.
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
- track is a minor spur where trains operate at 15 MPH or less
- 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.
