In the State of New Jersey, raised pavement markers (RPMs) are used along all centerlines and skip lines, regardless of traffic volume, roadway geometry, or roadway classification. The extensive use of RPMs has raised interest in understanding 1) whether this significant investment generates variant safety benefits at different locations; 2) whether there are alternatives or modifications to the existing RPMs; and 3) how to optimize the installation, monitoring, and maintenance of RPMs and their promising alternatives in order to attain a more cost-effective safety improvement. This study reviewed the relevant literature and provided a methodological framework for quantifying the safety effectiveness and implementation costs of RPMs and their alternatives given specified road and traffic characteristics. A luminance measurement method was developed to allow researchers to estimate the luminance of these devices and to compare different reflective pavement markers and their alternatives regarding the ability to provide visual delineation. The study also analyzed the installation practices in various states and proposed guidelines for the use of RPMs and relevant alternatives accounting for various road classification, geometry, and traffic factors. Finally, the study developed a computer-aided decision support tool that can be used to calculate the life cycle cost of RPMs and other alternatives, thereby supporting decisions with respect to the optimal use of safety investment.NJDOT Research
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