Just as summer construction projects are ramping up, news of a shortage of traffic paint is surfacing. The New York Times reports on the acrylic paint shortage:
The Associated General Contractors of America, a major industry trade group, warned state and federal transportation officials last week that the shortage has “very significant ramifications for completion of highway projects this summer,” and asked them not to penalize contractors and suppliers if they are unable to finish projects on time because of a paint shortage that is beyond their control.
The scarcity stems in large part from the shortage of an obscure chemical compound called methyl methacrylate, one of the key ingredients in roadworthy paint, which must be sturdy, long-lasting and reflective. A major producer of the compound, Dow Construction Chemicals, had production problems this year at a plant in Deer Park, Tex. Other companies scaled back production during the economic downturn, said Phil Phillips, the managing director of the Chemark Consulting Group, which analyzes the coatings industry.
Tags: Traffic Paint
