Fayetteville, Ark. — Winter weather has caused significant disruption to the roadways in Northwest Arkansas, with hundreds of raised pavement markers (RPMs) reported missing or displaced. These small, reflective devices, crucial for guiding drivers during poor visibility conditions, were affected by the recent snowstorm and subsequent plowing efforts.
According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), the reflectors are often displaced when snow is cleared from roadways. “They’re going to get hit during a winter storm… a lot of them did get hit during this recent storm,” explained Dave Parker, public information officer for ARDOT.
The RPMs are designed to enhance driver visibility, especially during low-light conditions such as at night or during rain. They play a vital role in reducing roadway departure crashes, which account for more than 70% of all traffic fatalities in Arkansas, according to ARDOT data.
With over 16,000 miles of roadways to maintain, ARDOT routinely replaces these reflectors after each winter season. Parker noted that, as the vibrancy of the reflectors fades, their effectiveness diminishes, necessitating their replacement. “They’re going to have to be replaced anyhow because when the vibrancy wears off, they do no good,” he said.
Each reflector costs around $4 to produce, and approximately 66 are placed per mile of road. The cost of replacing the reflectors across the state is estimated to be around $4 million annually. However, Parker emphasized that this cost is far less than the expense of more permanent alternatives. “They’re really just for safety reasons. That’s number one: just to enhance visibility on the roadway… If they save one life, it’s worth it,” he added.
The cost of the replacement project is reimbursed by the government, and bids for the construction are already in progress. ARDOT anticipates that the replacement efforts will be completed by spring.
While the cost of replacing the reflectors may seem substantial, the focus remains on the safety benefits they provide. Each year, the reflectors are replaced with the goal of preventing accidents and fatalities, ensuring that drivers have the visibility they need in challenging conditions.