The Delaware DOT was experiencing problems with poor alignment of the temporary paint versus the placement of permanent lines. Temporary paint stripes must be removed before the application of permanent lines. The removal leaves scars or damages the new pavement surface. The use of the EZ Mark TOM eliminates all scarring from new roadways.
One of the reasons that DelDOT was looking at TOM markers was that temporary markings on a newly resurfaced road did not always line up with the permanent striping. The typical procedure is, when a road is paved, temporary stripes (thin paint) are placed in the pattern of the final striping. Because of the thin application of temporary paint the permanent markings (epoxy or thermoplastic) are placed on top of the temporary markings. Sometimes this temporary stripe, because it is not laid out like the final stripe, does not line up with the final application of durable materials, which may occur a week or two later. When the markings do not line up, the state requires the contractor to remove the temporary pattern. This will always leave surface damage on the new pavement. The state has to pay the paving contractor anywhere from 40 to 60 cents per ft for temporary paint. There is no separate item for removal of paint. The durable striping is typically done by contractors from either N.J. or Pa., while the temporary striping is done by a local parking lot striper.
Contractors have problems with scheduling of temporary striping; they may be done with their paving and need lines placed, but the striper might be working two counties away that day and unable to get to their jobsite quickly.
In May 2004, the DelDOT evaluated the new EZ Mark TOM and RAM TPM 2100 marker applicator on Delaware Rte. 20 near Seaford. This route is a road through farm country and is a shortcut to the beach. For a remote road it is fairly heavily traveled on the weekends.
Mike Varga of Enterprise Flasher, Wilmington, Del., contacted Bob Tibbits of Tilcon, the contractor who had the Rte. 20 project regarding the supplying the RAM TPM machine to apply markers on the job. He also presented the TPM 2200 machine which removes the flexible markers once the project is complete.
“The demonstration went very well. A positive response was received from all, DelDOT, contractor and general public,” said Joe Ellis, construction manager, Quality Section, DelDOT.
As a result of this evaluation, DelDOT has determined that they are going to specify the use of the EZ Mark TOM on 10-ft and 20-ft centers for work-zone paving operations. This specification will call for an average 264 markers per mile. The markers will be installed at 3-5 mph, utilizing two vehicles, one a pilot car for safety and the other with the RAM TPM 2100 attached, applying the markers. The whole operation will require a total of three people. The cost per marker including labor will be $2.20 installed, for a cost per mile of $725 versus $1,161 per mile using temporary paint.
