New thermoplastic markings are installed at one of the main taxiways on YVR’s South Runway.
Vancouver Airport Authority has installed new thermoplastic markings to one of its main taxiways (Taxiway Lima), which will replace the paint used in the past.
Thermoplastic might sound futuristic and complex, but it’s essentially surface markings that are pre-cut and pre-coloured signs that form a strong bond with the concrete upon application to the taxiway.
The benefits of thermoplastic are significant.
Thermoplastic markings have a clean and crisp appearance, are more durable, and typically last seven years before needing to be replaced.
The alternative is paint, which YVR currently applies to airfields annually during our summer maintenance. Eliminating the need to reapply paint each year will help reduce the amount of work that needs to be done during the annual summer runway maintenance period, and may lessen the length of runway closures due to repainting in the future.
