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In 1996, Pavement magazine published an article informing its readers about the converging chevron pavement markings being used in Japan. In 1999, Wisconsin became the first state in the U.S. to use this pavement marking pattern. It was a new pattern for the country and the state as well as an unfamiliar project for the pavement marking contractor who took on the job.

Converging chevrons are painted markings on roads used to reduce drivers’ speeds and, in effect, decrease the amount of accidents that occur where the chevrons are installed. The chevron pattern consists of “v-shaped” stripes and straight bars that gradually grow closer together. The narrowing of space between the chevrons gives the illusion that a car is going faster as the road is narrowing.

Early in 1999, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) gave the Wisconsin DOT approval to install a converging chevron pattern on an Interstate 94 interchange exit ramp as an experimental pilot test project. This spot was chosen because of its higher crash rate, which was above the statewide average, according to Southeast region traffic engineer with WisDOT Tom Heydel. Trucks, in particular, were having difficulty negotiating the ramp when driving in excess of the speed limit. WisDOT had previously installed overhead signs to depict the curve for drivers and included overhead speed warning signs. This had some success in reducing crashes, according to Heydel, but something else needed to be done to have a more significant impact. Heydel says that WisDOT had seen the research done on the converging chevrons in Japan and decided to ask the FHWA for permission to complete an experimental chevron pattern on I-94.

The project approval process involved WisDOT submitting a report showing the crash rate, speed of traffic, and prior methods used to reduce crashes along with other requirements. After the FHWA approved the project, WisDOT then solicited for bid quotes. Century Fence Company, Waukesha, WI, was the lowest bidder, according to Heydel, and the company was awarded the project of installing the new pavement markings.

Larry Frank of Century Fence was the project superintendent for the converging chevron I-94 job. Frank says he had never heard of the converging chevron pattern before the WisDOT project. However, Century Fence decided the new pattern was something it could and wanted to do.