Benefits


 

    More Durable Sheeting Materials Enhance Lifecycle Costs

    The amortized life of Type III materials provides economy over Type I materials.(22)

    Studies and FHWA research indicate longer material life may produce more economical lifecycle costs.(22)
    • Type I material has a typical service life of about seven years, while Type III material is typically ten years (about 43% longer).*
    • Certain agencies (such as Indiana DOT) have found they can expect Type III materials to perform adequately for at least twelve years.
    • Longer material life also reduces sign technician time working within rights-of-way to replace deficient signs, reducing their exposure to being struck.
    *Typical service life is based on manufacturer's warranty period. Agencies should estimate service life based on their own experience.


    22 FHWA, DOT, Supplemental notice of proposed amendments (SNPA); request for comments, Federal Register: May 8, 2006 (Volume 71, number 88)
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