Color Surface Treatments

Usage: Standard*

Color Surface Treatments (CST) are any treatment that alters the color of the roadway to visually delineate the roadway surface for designated uses and serve as a guide to all road users.

Generally, color surface treatments are used to delineate pedestrian areas, bike lanes, and bus lanes.

*These treatments are installed and maintained by DOT or DOT-approved contractors. All installations are subject to DOT oversight to ensure compliance with design and performance standards.

Pedestrian Areas

Groups of people crossing a street

Clinton Avenue and Fulton Street, Brooklyn

Painted pedestrian area

34th Avenue and 70th Street, Queens

Painted mural pedestrian area

Victory Boulevard and Corson Avenue, Staten Island

Bike Lanes

Crew painting a bike lane

Frankfort Street, Manhattan

cyclist riding in bike lane

9th Avenue, Manhattan

Crew painting a bike lane

West Village, Manhattan

Bus Lanes

bus lane installation

34th Avenue and 1st Avenue, Manhattan

Picture of a bus lane

Riverside Drive, Manhattan

Story Avenue Bus Lane in the Bronx

Story Avenue, Bronx

Benefits

These markings effectively mitigate conflicts, enhance efficiency, and bolster overall safety
Significantly enhance safety, mitigate congestion, and cultivate a more streamlined and effective transportation system
Functioning as visual indicators of road layout and potential dangers, they adeptly manage traffic flow and guide users
Play a pivotal role in protecting pedestrians and micro-mobility users by providing tailored areas that meet their needs and a safe journey for everyone

Considerations

Follow established industry standards and local regulations
Color Surface Treatments need to be durable and long-lasting, so they do not fade or wear away quickly

Application

Review Color Surface Treatments Table for specific application guidance
Asphalt Art may be used in-lieu of Color Surface Treatments for pedestrian space based on approval by NYC DOT Art and an engineering review. Review Public Art
Markings should be applied consistent with the MUTCD, unless otherwise approved by DOT

Design

Specification source: DOT Standard Specifications Section 6.44 CST

Detail source: DOT Typical Pavement Marking Details TBL-2, TBUS-1, and related

Follow established industry standards and local regulations

Maintenance

Regular maintenance and inspection are necessary to ensure they remain visible, legible, and effective in guiding drivers and pedestrians

Color Surface Treatments Table

As of June 5, 2024	Spread-Applied Markings (methyl methacrylate)	Spread-Applied Markings (epoxy gravel)
Ideal Application	Color surface treatment for bike or bus lanes	Color surface treatment for pedestrian areas, bike or bus lanes
Ideal Surface	Asphalt	Asphalt
Advantages	Quicker to apply than epoxy gravel	Long-Lasting Can be a mix of several individual colors
Disadvantages	Waterblasting is always required Not as long-lasting as epoxy gravel	Waterblasting is always required Difficult to remove without resurfacing