Although the most expensive and durable lane markings are placed on the interstate system such as the Beltways, they deteriorate over time due to heavy traffic, snow plowing and salt applications during winter storms.  Your reader may have been traveling in an active construction zone, where temporary line striping tape can be worn down rapidly by high levels of daily traffic, especially heavy truck traffic.  In construction zones, permanent line striping is installed immediately following road resurfacing.

SHA is constantly seeking newer and more efficient ways to maximize pavement marking visibility both during the day and night and wet or dry conditions.  SHA currently uses pavement markings that provide maximum benefit for wet and night visibility for our varied geographical region. 

SHA crews and engineers are constantly striving to maintain the  safest roads possible, but it is the public who are often our eyes.  If your reader’s notice something that requires SHA’s immediate attention, they should log onto www.roads.maryland.gov and click the “contact us” tab.  Once on the “contact us” page, click on “Submit a Service Request.”  By completely filling out the online form, a service ticket is created and will be sent to the appropriate office.

It should be noted that the SHA is not responsible for  the maintenance of the entire Baltimore Beltway. Much of the southern and eastern Beltway are under  the jurisdiction of The Maryland Transportation Authority. But the heaviest-traveled parts, to the west of Interstate 95, are the SHA's task.