Can painting the pavement slow down traffic in Ossian?

Researchers from Iowa State University will be in Ossian this week to start a test of the theory that pavement painting can slow down traffic speeds.

Dr. Shauna Hallmark is installing "traffic calming" markings on Highway 52 at County W42 in Ossian as part of a study to see their effectiveness.  The work will involve pavement markings on the roadway.  The idea of using paint to help slow traffic is being done with great success in Europe.  The ISU research team this summer will install traffic calming treatments in 4 to 6 Iowa communities with a speeding problem on the main road through their community.  The project will pay for installation of the pavement markings.

The painting will begin at 9:30 a.m. Thursday.  Motorists should plan for slight delays in the workzone areas in Ossian.

The research team will select and organize the installations, collect, reduce, and report data and results.