Thermoplastic Road Marking Applicator

Transcription

1 Thermoplastic Road Marking Applicator Prepared by: G. Farrow, BBA Streets and Environmental Services Manager and J. Luison Streets and Sign Shop Supervisor 70

2 INDEX EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... 1 TERMS OF REFERENCE... 1 Background... 1 General Goals and Specific Objectives (list highest to lowest in priority)... 2 Strategic Implications... 2 Stakeholders... 2 Assumptions... 2 Alternatives Considered... 2 Capital Costs... 3 RECOMMENDATION

3 Page 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Streets and Sign Shop Section has seen steady growth in City road markings in the past years. To help facilitate the growing needs, the City has been testing thermoplastic markings in key areas throughout the City to reduce maintenance costs. This trial has been very successful as the thermoplastic markings are lasting significantly longer than traditional paint. In order to continue with thermoplastic markings, existing staff can apply the material or a contractor will need to be hired. The recommended option is to purchase an applicator to take advantage of applying the thermoplastic markings when needed at a lower cost. TERMS OF REFERENCE Background Under the Streets and Sign Shop Section, the City has provided traffic road marking services throughout the City's road network. The Sign Shop is currently using a low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) paint for all road markings. In the last three years, the Sign Shop staff have tested thermoplastic symbols at a number of locations in place of paint. The results have shown good value as use of this product will reduce maintenance costs and the disturbance to traffic flow since it lasts up to five times longer. The thermoplastic markings have been applied to areas that are high risk and create traffic control issues (e.g., roundabouts) during the painting season. Thermoplastic markings have also been applied to walking and bike paths to help reduce maintenance costs in upcoming years. Each year, the City receives numerous customer complaints with regard to lines that have worn away during the snow clearing season and before new markings are applied in June. By using thermoplastic markings, the City will reduce the number of complaints and the ongoing maintenance costs in difficult areas. With continuously expanding road designs and the implementation of numerous bike- and pedestrian-friendly routes throughout the City, the traffic marking inventory has grown significantly. By purchasing a thermoplastic road marking applicator, the City will be able to maintain and produce quality markings. This equipment will allow the Sign Shop to replace painted markings with thermoplastic in a cost-effective manner. The added value of having the work done in-house is that it will allow projects to be done quickly and the City will avoid large mobilization costs charged by contractors. There have been two recent examples where the mobilization costs were in excess of $10,000. The operating budget for marking applications will be minimally impacted by this new process. The cost of thermoplastic material is higher, but it is easily offset with the reduction in labour and traffic control costs and by not having to reapply markings for up to five years or more. The thermoplastic markings will improve safety in high-risk intersections because of the lack of wear during the winter months. 72

4 Page 2 General Goals and Specific Objectives (list highest to lowest in priority) Priority General Goal Specific Objective 1 To determine if the City should purchase a thermoplastic applicator 2 To apply thermoplastic markings at key areas throughout the City Strategic Implications To maintain current inventory To meet or exceed current service levels in a safe environment Greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced as the application of thermoplastic would reduce frequency of markings being applied. Stakeholders Streets and Environmental Services Division - 10 Fleet and Mechanic Shop Section - 8 Customers - 7 Assumptions a) Administration sees value in continuing to service the public with maintained road markings. b) Administration sees value in utilizing new equipment to reduce maintenance costs. c) Administration sees value in providing the public with long-lasting, high-quality road markings. Alternatives Considered a) Alternatives that did not come close to meeting the business case's driving general goals/specific objectives: i) Attempting to rent equipment on long-term basis; and ii) Contracting out the thermoplastic marking work. b) Alternatives that were eliminated after more research: i) Reducing the number of markings applied; and ii) Extending the paint marking season. c) The one alternative or a short list of alternatives that merit further consideration: i) Continuing to utilize paint for all inventoried markings. 73

5 Page 3 Capital Costs Year 1 Total a) Thermoplastic Application Unit $20,000 $20,000 RECOMMENDATION Total Capital Costs $20,000 $20,000 Authorize the purchase of a thermoplastic marking applicator for the Streets and Sign Shop Section at an estimated cost of $20,