Those driving into Regina from Highway 11 may have seen some unusual pavement markings as the Ministry of Highways starts testing paint products.

Samples of a number of paint products have been applied to the highway to test which last the longest, and best hold to the road surface. After six months each product will be evaluated, with the best ones being used for the next four years.

“Pavement marking is one of the most important safety elements the Ministry of Highways invests in,” Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw said. “Motorists rely on properly-painted lines every day and using high- quality products ensures we can deliver on that expectation in the most cost-effective way.”

Pavement marking helps decrease collisions by clearly delineating centre lines, edge lines, lane lines, intersection layouts and pavement signs. Saskatchewan uses paint products that contain recycled glass beads, which enhance the durability of the paint and create reflectivity that makes lines more visible in dark and poor weather conditions.

Each kilometre of solid line requires 31 litres of paint, with 46,500 kilometres of centre and shoulder line painting planned for the 2021-22 construction season. There are 36,000 pavement signs being painted as well.