PennDOT Line-Painting Operations on Major Roads Begin Next Week

PennDOT District 11 is advising motorists that line-painting operations on major roads in Allegheny County will begin Monday, April 9.

Work to repaint lines will occur on the following roadways from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays through spring until all areas are addressed:

• Parkway West (I-376)
• Parkway East (I-376)
• I-79
• Parkway North (I-279)

PennDOT advises motorists to exercise caution and patience. It suggests allowing at least 250 feet—13 car lengths—behind line-painting equipment to avoid damage. 

Motorists should avoid passing the paint vehicles unless directed to do so by a paint crew member or flag person.  Passing too quickly can damage fresh paint lines and may result in paint on the motorist’s vehicle. 

Line-painting vehicles normally pull over every 2 1/2 miles or when safety permits. Recent technological advancements on the mix of formulas have produced fast-dry paints that are dry to the touch within two to three minutes.  It is crucial to stay off these lines during the curing period.

Motorists who accidentally get paint on their vehicles should immediately wash off the paint with a high-pressure water stream and detergent. Dried paint can be removed with denatured alcohol and a soft cloth.  Generally, PennDOT is not responsible for paint on vehicles.

Roadway line painting is an important part of PennDOT’s highway safety initiatives. Paint lines provide direction, delineation and guidance to motorists.

Glass beads applied on top of wet paint during the painting process provide retro reflectivity. These small, spherical beads reflect light during dark hours and periods of low visibility. As the glass beads become worn or wet, the reflectivity becomes greatly diminished, resulting in reduced visibility during dark and wet hours.

Lines need repainting each year because of normal wear, tear and weather. Winter maintenance activities such as plowing, spreading anti-skid materials, and studded tires are very abrasive to paint lines and can cause fading. 

Normal weathering caused by snow, rain, and ice also contribute to line reflectivity reduction.

State roads with the highest traffic volumes and safety needs are painted first.  These include interstates and the National Highway System followed by secondary roadways.

PennDOT establishes painting schedules to minimize delays to motorist.  On days before holidays and on Fridays, crews will focus on secondary routes to minimize inconvenience for motorists.

Motorists should use caution and be aware of changing traffic patterns when driving through the area. 

PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major roadways before traveling. 

PennDOT Press Officer Jim Struzzi provided this information. If you have news and photos you'd like to share, please email Editor Cindy Cusic Micco at cindy.micco@patch.com.