Road-marking and Retroreflection Evaluation in Bangladesh
Road-marking and its retroreflection are very important issues to ensure road safety. Markings, lines and signs marked on the road help in guiding, warning and controlling the movement of vehicle drivers. Retroreflection systems are needed to ensure that these markings are visible at night or in bad weather.
What is road marking?
Road-marking is a marking drawn on the road with color, reflection or reflective materials to indicate vehicle speed, direction of movement, parking areas, pedestrian crossings, etc. For example:
- White or yellow median strip
- Parking limit line
- Zebra crossing
- Triangle or arrow sign
- Speed limit sign, etc.
- What is retroreflection?
Retroreflection is a type of light reflection technology that reflects light back towards the light source. When this technology is added to road markings, the light emitted from the car’s headlights is reflected on the markings, giving a clear signal to the driver. This allows the road markings to be clearly seen even at night.
- It usually contains glass beads, which reflect light.
- Its relevance and use in Bangladesh
1. Helpful in road safety
The number of vehicles and accidents are increasing day by day in Bangladesh. If proper road markings and their retroreflection are of high quality, the accident rate can be reduced significantly.
2. Newly built expressways and highways
Modern retroreflective markings have been used on the Padma Bridge Link Road, Dhaka-Mawa Expressway, Elevated Expressway, and other new highways.
3. Traffic control in urban areas
Although there are high-quality road markings at some important intersections and signal areas in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Khulna, in most places they are quickly erased or there is insufficient retroreflection.
Assessment Method
Retroreflection is assessed using:
Handheld Retroreflectometer: Measures the retroreflection value (mcd/m²/lux) directly on the road marking.
Mobile Reflectometers: Scans the road while moving and collects data.
Visual Inspection: Visual assessment is carried out by an experienced observer.
Challenges
- Road markings disappearing in a short period of time
- Not using quality materials
- Lack of regular inspection or evaluation
- Budget crisis and apathy towards maintenance
- Lack of manpower and training
- Future plans and recommendations
- Use of high quality thermoplastic and retroreflective materials
- Make regular road-marking inspection and reflection testing mandatory
- Introduce automated marking machines and testing equipment in cities and highways
- Produce locally sustainable materials and set standards
- Produce trained technicians and launch a standard-based tender process
Road-marking and its retroreflection are an essential element for road safety in Bangladesh. Although it is currently used effectively in some limited areas, its expansion and regular evaluation across the country can reduce road accidents, control traffic congestion and ensure safe movement. It is the demand of the hour to give importance to this issue to build a developed and safe Bangladesh.
