Efficiency of Using Retroreflective Tape Instead of Road Stud on Expressways

Abstract

Road Marking and Traffic Sign are a part of traffic control devices for giving a direction for expressway users to drive easily, quickly and safely. Line Marking and road stud are used on expressways to divide traffic lanes, so they need to clearly visible in both day and night conditions. However, the reflectivity of road markings decreases over time or environmental changes such as low light conditions or rains, causing a water film to be coated on the surface. This can lead to accidents as drivers are not able to see road marking on the expressway. The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) aims to provide drivers with good service and safety. with the concerns about safety, EXAT Launches a study on geometric layout including the efficiency of using “Retroreflective tape” instead of road studs. This paper shows that the size of the reflective traffic tape to be used in place of road studs should be 0.15 m wide and 0.30 m The reflectivity values of the tape in dry and wet conditions are higher than FHWA standard, which provides clearer vision. Moreover, it requires less installation time and has the same unit price as road studs.