The Removal Process...
	Traffic lines removed by Traffic Lines, Inc.

I. Grinding

Existing traffic lines or markings can be removed from the roadway by a process called grinding.

A) Removal by a mobile truck: When using a mobile truck, the traffic markings are ground off of the roadway by sharp blades of steel that are designed to scrape off a thin layer, just enough to make any unwanted marking disappear. These blades are located on each of the six drums that the grinding trucks are equipped with. Three drums are located on each side of the truck to make line removal complete.

B) Removal by a hand-grinder: A hand-grinder is best used when removing intricate markings or small amounts of footage. For instance, it is easier to remove an arrow symbol with a hand-grinder due to the maneuverability a hand-grinder provides for. Also, it is designed to remove crosswalks & hatches quickly and the process requires less time for lane closures.

Grinding Teeth

II. Shot Blasting

Traffic markings on concrete surfaces only can be eliminated by the shot blasting method. This method is used to prepare the concrete for long life epoxy striping. During shot blasting, the concrete curing compound is removed which allows for a better bonding surface and makes it less likely for epoxy markings to flake off. This method involves a mobile truck equipped with turbine blades that propel small bbs at the ground. These bbs are propelled at the ground at a 45 degree angle at a speed of 200 MPH. The bbs blast off the marking material and are forced back up into the truck with the use of magnets. The magnets help to keep the machinery and the roadway clean by separating the dirt and the bbs into different hopper bins. The bbs are then lifted up by a conveyer belt and propelled at the ground again. The bbs are reused and recycled during every shot blasting process. The shot blasting machine is self propelled and can be operated at various speeds.

III. Sweeper

All removal operations are followed by sweeper trucks to clean up any loose debris. Two drums are located on either side of the sweeper truck along with a broom to sweep the debris into a pan that directs dirt up into the truck and off the roadway.

Click here to return to the applications menu.