Community Corner

BEWARE: Line-Painting on Route 51 This Saturday

Don't want a new yellow paint-job? Read here.

Drivers who aren't wishing for a new yellow paint-job, beware: Line-painting operations will occur on Route 51 from Stewart Avenue in Whitehall Borough to Lebanon Church Road in Pleasant Hills Borough this Saturday, June 1, weather permitting.

The work will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in both directions on the busy state road.

Officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 11-0 are advising motorists to exercise caution and patience and are suggesting to allow for at least 250 feet (13 car lengths) behind line-painting equipment to avoid damage.

Motorists should avoid passing line-painting vehicles unless directed by a paint crew member or a flag person to do so. Passing too quickly can cause damage to fresh paint lines and may result in paint on motorists' vehicles.

Line-painting vehicles normally pull over every 2.5 miles or when safety permits.

Recent technological advancements on the mix of paint formulas have produced fast-dry paints that are dry to the touch within 2-3 minutes, according to a PennDOT news release. It is crucial to stay off of these lines during the paint's curing period.

Motorists who accidentally get paint on their vehicles should immediately wash the paint off with detergent and a high-pressure water stream. Dried paint can be removed with denatured alcohol and a soft cloth.

Generally, PennDOT is not responsible for paint on vehicles.

Lines need repainted each year because of normal wear and tear and weather. Winter maintenance activities such as plowing and spreading of anti-skid materials, as well as studded tires, are abrasive to paint lines and can cause fading. Normal weathering caused by snow, rain and ice also contribute to line-reflectivity reduction.


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