SACRAMENTO – (INT) - Caltrans will transition from 4-inch wide stripes to 6-inch wide stripes on the state highways. The change will provide motorists with a better view of the road in darkness or inclement weather such as rain, snow and fog.

A key step in the process is adding reflective beads to the paint, which reflect a small amount of the vehicle’s headlights back to the driver – making the stripe readily visible. The new striping will also make it easier for autonomous vehicles to “see” the lines and stay in their lanes. It will eventually replace the more familiar raised Botts Dots, which have been used extensively across the state.

The new striping program is among several projects which have been accelerated under Senate Bill 1. The legislation was designed to invest $5.4 billion a year to improve California’s transportation system.

Story Date: January 9, 2018