Pavement markings are important for the safety of all road users, especially during nighttime driving. Wear on road paint is accelerated where traffic volumes are high and snow, salt and grit further limits durability.
The annual pavement marking renewal program begins by May, following the start of road sweeping operations. All existing paint on the road is refreshed each year, including all intersection markings, longitudinal roadway lines, cycling facilities, traffic calming measures, and more.
Most of this work occurs at night when traffic volumes are low. In rural areas some work is completed during the daytime.
Priority
By May each year, crews are deployed all over Ottawa in the following priority sequencing:
- Locations with irregular markings, and/or significant safety concerns
- Cycling facilities and pedestrian crossovers (PXO)
- High-volume roads and intersections
- Low-volume roads
All pavement markings will be refreshed as part of this regularly scheduled maintenance, rather than based on requests from the public.
To request a change to existing pavement markings or the installation of new pavement markings, contact 3-1-1.
Equipment and Type of Paint
Several different vehicles and paint are used to refresh over 6,500 intersections and countless kilometres of roadway each year.
Methyl methacrylate (MMA) paint truck:
- Operates June to September, requiring warmer temperatures than other paint;
- The 2022 season is the second year applying MMA paint which is highly durable, having potential to reduce the workload of the annual maintenance program over time.
Acetone and Water-based paint truck:
- Operates May to November;
- Uses acetone-based paint in cooler spring and fall months, and water-based paint during warmer months.
Additional equipment for specialty markings
- Includes application of thermal plastic designs
