Why the lines on P.E.I. roads are harder to see this time of year

If it seems like the lines painted on P.E.I. roads don't shine as bright as they used to, you're not wrong.

"We hear that pretty well every year this time of year," said Stephen Yeo, chief engineer for the provincial Department of Transportation.

There area couple of reasons why:snow clearing and federal government regulations, he said.

Ottawa implemented environmental policies about a decade ago that forced the province to stop using the oil-based paint it always had up to that point.

Island roads to receive a fresh coat of paint

5 months ago

Duration 1:41

Some P.E.I. roads will have their lines repainted and reflectors replaced this year. Stephen Yeo, chief engineer with the Department of Transportation, explains why the paint wears off so quickly.

Yeo said the departmenttried latex paint, but that wore off the roads in a matter of weeks. Now, they're using a "lesser quality" oil paint, but one that complies with environmental standards, he said.

"It doesn't perform like it used to."

Glass beads are added to the paint to make it more reflective in low light. But as winter comes, snow, salt and plows eat thoseaway, too.

"We're pretty well restricted with the kind of paint we use and how much life we get out of it," Yeo said.

What works elsewhere, doesn't here

People may point to other parts of the world that use glow-in-the-dark paint onroads, but Yeo said the illumination only lastsa few hours, and when it's gone, the paint reflects poorly.

"We do live in a harsh climate during the winter months and it really impairs the reflectivity of our paint lines," he said."We have to paint every year."

Despite the challenges posed by Island weather, he said the department is trying innovationsto make road markings easier to see.

Raised pavement markings small reflectors placed alongyellow centre lines have been used for several years and are "really effective."

Those pieces of equipment are coming to the end of their life now, Yeo said, and are set to be replaced on Route 1 and Route 2 this year.

As temperatures warm, paint trucks will be hitting Island roads soon, he said. Main highways are painted twice a year, while newly constructed and secondary roads are painted once.