Calgary looking into orange road marking pilot for construction zones

Coun. Joe Magliocca is hoping to improve Calgary construction zone safety with a couple of coats of paint.

In Ontario, lines on divided highways have been painted orange since 2009, in place of the regular white and yellow markings, to indicate a construction zone along with signage. And now, the City of Calgary is looking into those tools for their own construction zones.

"I think it's a really great idea," said Magliocca. "When people are driving they're looking and focusing straight, so you know you're in a construction zone when the hash marks turn orange; when you're out of the orange you can continue at normal speed."

Magliocca said because the city is in the peak of their construction season he's wondering if a pilot could be done this year.

"We are looking into using it in a pilot way," said transporation boss Mac Logan. "There's no national standard in the use of these markings, so we have to be careful not to confuse motorists."

Logan said the city is still investigating whether or not to use the lines, and will update council once a decision has been made.