Over time the elements and wear and tear take their toll on street markings

More and more, street markings on Chicago streets are getting harder and harder to see.

Over time, weather and wear from the millions of vehicle tires each year takes it toll on the painted stop bars, pedestrian crosswalk and vehicle lane markings that are necessary to help drivers understand how they need to operate safely.

The Chicago Tribune pointed out this issue to the Chicago Department of Transportation recently.

To their credit, CDOT is well aware of the problem affixing the blame to the lack of funding and the economic downturn. But spending on repainting markings has already in the works.

While CDOT only spent $700,000 in markings in 2009, the agency spent $1.3 million in 2010, $1.4 million this year and has budgeted $2.3 million for street markings in 2012.

Beyond just repainting street markings, drivers may see some changes in how the city does things according to the Trib piece.

Look out for more zebra striped crosswalks which seem to be easier for drivers to see and therefore safer for crossing pedestrians as well as green paint utilized for bicycle lane markings and new fluorescent green signs to alert drivers.

Here’s the Tribunes full story, “City aims to brush up street markings.”