Faded Traffic Lines Prompt Dozens of 311 Calls to City
Edmonton repaints roads twice yearly with acetone-based paint despite complaints about poor durability.
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Faded traffic lines across Edmonton roads have prompted dozens of 311 complaints from drivers, but the City says the current repainting schedule is the most cost-effective approach.
The city applies acetone-based paint to roads and crosswalks twice a year. While this method requires frequent repainting, it remains cheaper than switching to longer-lasting alternatives, city staff told CBC Edmonton.
The practice reflects a trade-off between durability and budget constraints. Drivers have been flagging barely visible lines as a safety concern, particularly on heavily travelled routes where fading makes lane markings difficult to see.
The city continues to monitor the issue as traffic safety concerns grow across Edmonton. A recent report indicated that Edmontonians feel increasingly unsafe on roads, with serious crashes rising on south sections of the Anthony Henday Drive.
The city is also exploring other strategies to ease traffic headaches during the busy construction season, but no immediate shift away from the current repainting cycle has been announced.