Philadelphia has more than 2,500 miles of roads, from small streets to wide, heavily used routes. But sometimes the sidewalk markings disappear under real-world use.
Reader Timothy Derr, who lives near the city centre and is familiar with the faded road markings, said the situation “puts pedestrians at risk”.
Puzzled as to why only half the lane markings existed, he took to the Inquirer’s Curious Philly forum to ask questions about the city and region: Why are Philadelphia roads often missing lane markings, even when the new pavement is months old? Many of the busiest roads, especially in the downtown area with heavy traffic, also lack crosswalks. What’s going on?
Unlike Philadelphians’ love of cheesesteaks, sidewalk markings can wear off over time or need to be repainted after street repairs, making it difficult to distinguish between crosswalks, bike paths, and traffic lanes.
Highways Department spokesman Christopher Young said “many of our roads have faded or missing road markings”, blaming it on “a combination of factors”.
City officials were unable to provide further details about why the sidewalk markings had faded or explain the delay in repainting the newly paved road.
Chris Gallagher, owner of C&C Super Seal, which specializes in asphalt work and various types of road markings, said the lifespan of road markings depends on the material.
Thermoplastic line is a durable material used for road markings in which pigments and glass beads adhere to the ground when exposed to heat.
The material typically fades within eight years. But Philadelphia’s traffic, weather and snow removal can speed up the fading process, so signs there last only “three to five years,” Gallagher said.
”Roads with heavy traffic also have the highest rates of wear on road markings and surfaces,” Yang said.
For Del, the problem isn’t that the sidewalks are fading, but that they’re not being properly maintained, which is why he believes “the city isn’t doing enough to make them safe for pedestrians.”
The city hasn’t yet said how long the replacement of the markings will take. But once it starts, Gallagher said the process will move fairly quickly.
”Once you’re there, it’s a quick process, but you have to be able to do it,” Gallagher said. “There’s no average, you can do a foot a second, it’s not a question of how long you can take, it’s a question of being fast.”
In the meantime, Young said the Streets Department is asking Philadelphians to remain patient. You can also apply for street markings online at phila.gov.
He added: “We encourage anyone with questions or concerns about road conditions to call 311 and report them. Help us make your communities and travel safer, cleaner and greener.”
Post time: Jun-26-2025