WisDOT: Orange lane markings to be used in Zoo Interchange



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will apply orange reflective epoxy paint within a I-94 westbound work zone just west of the Zoo Interchange (Zoo IC) Tuesday night and Wednesday night weather permitting.

The traditional white and yellow lane and edge markings will be replaced with an approved orange paint which is being tested in the Zoo IC with the goal to provide more clearly defined lanes in the construction zone.

Last year motorists, at times, experienced difficult conditions in winter work zones as salt residue on the roadway surface left the traditional white lane markings very challenging to pick out.

Orange reflective epoxy paint has been used in Canada, New Zealand and in Europe but not previously in the U.S.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has granted the Zoo IC team the permission to use the orange paint in test areas in at least three separate locations along I-94 both east and west of the actual Zoo IC.  WisDOT will track the performance of the paint under diverse weather and time of day conditions and will also be monitoring the reaction of motorist to the orange lane markings.

A survey will follow after the lane markings have been in place to gather further reaction and opinions from motorist using this portion of the freeway system.

For updates and additional information on the Zoo IC project go to the project website at: http://projects.511wi.gov/web/zoo-interchange-project