Preformed reflective line marking for roadways and associated methods thereof

Abstract

A preformed thermoplastic roadway line marking includes a preformed thermoplastic substrate layer capable of being attached to a roadway, and a preformed thermoplastic upper layer in contact with the substrate layer. Advantageously, such an upper layer includes a surface area having a plurality of spaced-apart slits. The slits penetrate through an entire cross-sectional thickness of the upper layer and are in fluid communication with the substrate layer. When heated to a liquid state, the substrate layer has a morphed shape and is at least partially displaced upwardly through the slits and disposed on the upper layer such that the upper layer is fixedly locked to the substrate layer and maintained at a substantially stable position relative to the substrate layer. Such a structural configuration provides an unexpected and unpredictable result of insuring the marking is locked into place relative to the roadway, thereby reducing labor costs and improving durability.