Head-On Collisions: Appendix 10

Cost of Profile Thermoplastic Striping

According to data provided by Caltrans, a 4-in. raised profile thermoplastic stripe has a unit price in 2002 of $0.36 per linear foot with a useful life of 5 years. Standard waterborne traffic paint, by comparison, costs $0.13 per linear foot with an estimated useful life of 1 year or less. When considering cost on a life-cycle basis, the thermoplastic stripe becomes less costly. Its use also will result in a reduction of potential conflicts created by the trucks applying the markings.

The Texas Department of Transportation reports a cost of $0.64 per linear foot for a 4-in. stripe in 2002. The expected life is 2 to 3 years.