SDOT crews were busy on 35th Ave. S.W. on Aug. 19 painting fresh stripes, just as they are on other major arterials —a total of 850 “lane miles”—on days when the weather is warm and dry enough for applying water-based paint. Remarking the yellow, solid white and dashed white lines makes them easier to see, and the reflective beads in the paint also helps, enhancing safety.
When the fall arrives and days are shorter and rain can reduce visibility clear lane markings make a difference in safety.

The crews have completed work in North Seattle and Downtown, and now are completing work in East Central Seattle. Now the crews are in Southwest Seattle where, if weather is favorable, they expect to complete striping in about three weeks. After Southwest Seattle, they will paint in Southeast Seattle.

Backup trucks follow the paint trucks, progressing along the streets as the paint dries. Drivers must obey the signs on the trucks directing them away from the wet paint.

The Seattle Department of Transportation has been able to restripe streets annually due to funds from the Bridging the Gap transportation initiative.