FHWA has recently finalized an update to the 2009 edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) defining retroreflectivity requirements for pavement markings.
Published in the Federal Register on August 5 and effective September 6, we now have definitive guides for retroreflectivity in pavement markings. These changes aim to reduce the number of travel lane departures either into oncoming traffic or off of the roadway by ensuring lane markings are visible in nighttime conditions.
This final rule establishes minimum maintained retroreflectivity levels for longitudinal pavement markings on all roads open to public travel with speed limits of 35 mph or greater. The final rule requires applicable agencies or officials to implement a method for maintaining pavement marking retroreflectivity at or above minimum levels, providing a 4-year compliance date for implementing the method. It provides options for agencies on roads where illumination or low volumes make the markings less critical and for certain types of markings. It also acknowledges short-term allowances of subminimum retroreflectivity based on special circumstances. As with the current MUTCD requirements for sign retroreflectivity, this final rule does not include compliance dates for replacement of pavement markings that do not meet minimum retroreflectivity levels. Pavement marking replacement schedules will be based on the methods established by agencies or officials.
Read the post in the Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/08/05/2022-16781/national-standards-for-traffic-control-devices-the-manual-on-uniform-traffic-control-devices-for
Explore FHWA's Nighttime Visibility Website: https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roadway_dept/night_visib/
Read the new Methods for Maintaining
Pavement Marking Retroreflectivity (FHWA-SA-22-028): https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roadway_dept/night_visib/pm_methods_fhwasa22028.pdf
These updates have been added to the forthcoming new edition of the MUTCD as well.
More details at: https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roadway_dept/night_visib/