A shortage of traffic striping paint has left road crews and transportation departments without the paint they need to properly delineate traffic lanes after paving.

  The Associated General Contractors of America warned state and federal transportation officials recently, that the shortage has “very significant ramifications for completion of highway projects this summer” and asked them not to penalize contractors and suppliers if they are unable to finish projects on time because of a paint shortage that is beyond their control, The New York Times reported.

  A scarcity of striping paint stems in large part from the shortage of a chemical compound called methyl methacrylate, one of the key ingredients in roadworthy paint. Such paint must be sturdy, long lasting and reflective. A major producer of the compound, Dow Construction Chemicals, had production problems this year at a plant in Deer Park, Texas. Other companies scaled back production during the economic downturn.

  Aexcel, a company outside Cleveland that manufactures traffic paint, just used up its supply of methyl methacrylate and might be unable to make additional traffic paint until it receives more of the chemical in mid-June. John Milgram, Aexcel’s president, said he has been scouring the country to replenish his stock.

  In Texas, officials say the paint shortage could delay plans to recoat the surface of some roads if there is not enough paint to safely mark the lanes once the work is completed.

  AGC has warned that supplies could be 60 percent lower than normal through the summer and fall, which is prime road construction season, ABC News reported.

  “It’s going to force some very significant decisions by DOTs,” said Brian Deery, AGC’s senior director for highways and transportation. “You can’t open up a project if you can’t put stripes on the ground.”

  The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials surveyed 10 state transportation departments this week regarding paint supplies. AASHTO found that states were still receiving shipments of paint and are cautiously optimistic that the situation will be resolved in the next few months with minimal impact to repaving projects.

  Questions regarding this article may be directed to editor@aashtojournal.org.