Pavement Marking/Colored Pavement Friction Differential and Product Durability

Status: Complete
Report Date: 08/06/2025

Summary:

Materials used to make pavement markings visible at night may also cause the markings to be slicker than surrounding pavement, especially in wet conditions. Bicyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians have reported safety concerns when traveling over pavement markings. MnDOT and local agencies set out to explore how much friction pavement materials provide compared to the surrounding pavement. Researchers tested a variety of pavement marking materials, and results showed that the friction of pavement markings did decrease over time and wear. Some additives, including locally available taconite, increased friction of certain marking materials. The project also assessed friction measurement tools to guide the agencies in producing the most cost-effective and consistent friction data. The agencies will continue to assess the best pavement marking materials to maximize safety for all road users.

Final Deliverables:

Pavement Marking/Colored Pavement: Friction Differential and Product Durability (Report #2025-30)
Evaluating the Friction of Pavement Markings and Colored Pavement (Research Summary)

Related Materials:

Evaluating the Friction of Pavement Markings and Colored Pavement (Blog Post)
CTS Webinar: Friction, Safety, and Durability of Pavement Markings (Video/Webinar)
New Project: Pavement Marking/Colored Pavement Friction Differential and Product Durability (Blog Post)

Related Research:

Project Personnel:

Principal Investigator: Mihai Marasteanu

Co-Principal Investigator: Lawrence Zanko

Technical Liaison: Ethan Peterson

Project Coordinator: Briah Carlson