SPR 2013 Prime KTC: Alternative Snow Plow/Marker and Procedures

Typical traffic paint and tape do not provide effective delineation during wet, nighttime conditions. Snowplowable markers (Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Type V Marker) have been used since the 1980s to provide delineation under these conditions. In recent years there have been increased maintenance issues related to the Type V snowplowable marker which has been used in Kentucky and most other states with significant snowfall. A recent evaluation of the use of snowplowable raised pavement markers (KTC Research Report 09-09) concluded that the currently approved marker could be used if it was properly installed on new pavements with a commitment to maintain the pavement. A recommendation from that research was that alternative and innovative snowplowable marker designs should be evaluated. Another potential method of alleviating pavement damage is to modify the current policy of placing the snowplow blade at the surface. Alternative procedures are used in other states to allow snowplowing without the blade riding on the surface during the snowplowing process. This project will investigate innovative alternatives to the Type V snowplowable marker, as well as conduct an evaluation of alternative snowplowing procedures to produce suitable and safe winter road surface conditions.