By Tara Vreeland, The News On 6
TULSA, OK -- The lanes on Oklahoma's highways are getting a makeover.
But what is the difference between the traditional white stripes and the new white striping with black shadows?
"The
black and white stripe is basically a contrasting stripe that's kind of
a safety enhancement project that we're starting to do," said Paul
Green, Oklahoma Department of Transportation construction engineer.
The alternating stripes make it easier for drivers to see which lane they are in.
"It's
just something that in the evenings, when the sun is going down and in
the mornings when the sun is coming up, it's a lot harder to see that
white stripe on top of the concrete," Green said.
The stripes are made out of epoxy.
"It's
supposed to stay down better when we come through and do our ice and
snow removal, it should stay a little better," Green said. "As we go
around and renew our stripes after the winter, they'll see more of this
black and white stripe."
ODOT says they've had positive
feedback about the new stripes and that they are easier to see,
although it isn't the cheapest way to define a lane.
"It's a
little more expensive, but it's not bad," Green said. "When you
consider safety enhancements, I wouldn't say money is no object, but we
try to get the best deal for our dollar, that's for sure."
Expect
to see the more visual stripes streaming along the highways, and there
won't be a gray area when you try to find your lane.
The
highways with the striping are on Interstate 244 south around to the
Creek Turnpike and U.S. 169 by Owasso up to Collinsville. Interstate 44
also has some striping.