Pavement Striping

What Is Pavement Striping?

Pavement striping refers to the painted lines and markings applied to roadways, including:

• Centerlines separating opposing traffic
• Lane lines guiding travel direction
• Edge lines marking roadway boundaries
• Turn lanes and directional arrows
• Crosswalks and stop bars (where applicable)

These markings are essential for organizing traffic and communicating roadway rules.

Why Striping Matters

Clear and visible pavement markings:

• Improve driver safety and reduce accidents
• Increase visibility at night and during adverse weather
• Help maintain consistent traffic flow
• Provide guidance for all roadway users
• Support compliance with state and federal transportation standards

When Striping Occurs

Striping operations typically take place:

• From spring through fall
• When temperatures and weather conditions allow for proper application
• During daytime or nighttime hours, depending on traffic and project needs

Because striping requires dry pavement and specific temperatures, schedules may change due to weather.

What Residents Should Expect

During striping operations, motorists may encounter:

• Temporary lane closures or shifting traffic patterns
• Slow-moving striping vehicles
• Wet paint on road surfaces
• Short delays or minor traffic disruptions

⚠️ Important:

Please avoid driving over freshly painted lines.
Doing so can damage markings and may result in paint transfer onto vehicles.

Types of Striping Performed

Flathead County performs several types of striping, including:

• Re-striping: Refreshing existing faded markings
• New striping: Applying markings to newly paved or reconstructed roads
• Temporary markings: Used during construction or roadway changes

Why Some Work Happens at Night

In certain areas, striping may occur during nighttime hours to:

• Reduce traffic disruption
• Improve worker safety
• Allow for more efficient application

Frequently Asked Questions