SaFlector® SLEEVES AS A CATALYST FOR GRANT FUNDING
In traffic work, it’s not uncommon that-
- Critical traffic signs are old and in need of replacement.
- Local funding for performing this kind of work is very limited, making it challenging for agencies to perform sign maintenance work to the level they would like.
- Outside grant sources don’t generally fund “in-kind” maintenance and replacement for signs.
Because the sleeves offer meaningful safety enhancement to critical signs-
In blending the addition of the sleeves with sign maintenance, sign replacement work (which grant sources won’t generally fund) can become sign upgrade or enhancement projects that traffic safety grant sources will consider funding.
As an example- in 2013, the Seattle DOT applied for State safety grant funding to replace a large number of its old and worn stop signs- many on old wood posts. With the inclusion of the sleeves as part of the intended new sign and post assemblies, SDOT was able to present its proposal for this work as a safety upgrade, rather than replacement in-kind.*
SDOT was awarded $1,000,000 to perform this work. This project was managed as a capital project and put to bid. Through the project- conditions of existing signs were assessed, locations for improvement were prioritized, old posts and signs were removed, and new post-sign-sleeve assemblies were put in at nearly 2,000 locations.
*Another enhancement included in this proposal was replacement of the old stop signs (typically of bare aluminum on their back sides) with signs that have retroreflective, red backs. This, along with the sleeves, was done to provide drivers an additional visual cue for stop conditions.
