HMA surface restoration after pavement marking removal

[ACtrafficengr]

A developer is adding a leg across from the stem of a T intersection on one of our roads, and will be converting an existing flush island to a left turn lane. Removing the existing pavement markings usually leaves a scarred, porous surface, that will often look like the markings are still there on a wet night.

Does anyone have experience with fog seals or scrub seals to restore pavement surfaces after marking removal?

Balancing public and developer costs, would it be fairer to stipulate that a sealing treatment will be required if marking removal causes excess porosity, or just specify it up front? I know contractors like to minimize uncertainty, but the possibility of avoiding extra work may encourage them to be more careful.

I just found Smith Mfr.'s surface profile page. Would it be useful as an objective measure of surface condition? We could say if the pavement condition is degraded by 2 or more levels, remediation would be required.

Thanks

 

[Ron]

You could consider microsurfacing the whole intersection after completion. That would make for a uniform appearance. Obviously, you would then restripe the area.

Also consider contacting the thermoplastic striping suppliers to see if they can provide flat black striping.

 

[ACtrafficengr]

Thanks, Ron. I don't think I've ever seen thermoplastic used around here. Based on our DOT's pay item catalog, I'd say it's only used in the extreme downstate regions - NYC and Long Island.

 

[jgailla]

I've never had any success with anything but mill and resurface. Even the flat black striping still shows up.I have not tried microsurfacing.

 

[DDBPE]

When epoxy or paint markings are applied it is usually under pressure. Even after milling/grinding the original marking is still evident as the material penetrates the asphalt. Fogging is typically applied after the removal to help protect the asphalt but this only last a couple years and the marks show up again. Unfortunately this happened on one of our paving projects (the marking sub missed the switch from no passing to passing zone), that just so happens to be in front of our plant and office, so I relive it everyday until the road is overlaid in 10 years.

 

[ACtrafficengr]

DDBPE, I pass a site like that on my way home, so I know, I know...

I was thinking more of pavement preservation than hiding the old markings, but your comment about 10 years gave me an answer. That intersection was built in '07. We'll probably mill-and-fill it in a few years anyway, so hopefully, the developer will build first and i won't have to worry about it. Thanks!