A new pilot program by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is using orange and white lane striping to increase driver awareness in construction zones. According to FOX5 San Diego , the program, which began on the 5 Freeway in northern San Diego County in late 2021, is part of the Build North County Corridor Project.
The contrasting colors are designed to enhance safety for both drivers and road crews, with officials hoping that drivers will not only slow down but also see the lines more clearly in adverse weather conditions such as rain and fog.
According to Caltrans public affairs manager Steve Welborn , early results from the program are promising. “Recent survey data shows that approximately 83.18% of road users who traveled in the orange striping experienced increased awareness of being in a construction zone,” Welborn said. The survey also found that 72% of drivers slowed down after seeing the contrast striping, and nearly 75% found the lines easier to see at night.