Planning study news
WSDOT gathered data for six months to see if orange lane striping in work zones, instead of traditional white striping, would result in fewer drivers veering over lane lines. The study is complete, and WSDOT shared its findings with the Federal Highway Administration.
Purpose
WSDOT gathered data for six months to see if orange lane striping in work zones, instead of traditional white striping, would result in fewer drivers veering over lane lines. During the “before” period, traffic engineers collected information on vehicle speeds, drivers staying in their lanes, collisions and measured the retro-reflectivity and durability of the lane striping. The Federal Highway Administration may approve orange lane line striping in work zones in the future.
Planning study report
From March to September 2023, traffic analysts gathered data on a three-quarter-mile section of Interstate 5 between Wapato Way and Porter Way in Fife. Orange striping through the work zone in Fife resulted in fewer collisions when compared to traditional white lane striping, and fewer instances of drivers veering over lane lines. Drives reported in post-striping surveys that the orange stripes helped them see lane lines better and realize they were in a construction zone. WSDOT shared this report with the Federal Highway Administration.