Drivers may have noticed snow was not the only thing sprinkled across the downtown streets Thursday morning.
Snow plows pulled up chunks of yellow and white striping that was recently applied to East High and Madison streets as part of Jefferson City's downtown streetscape project, scattering pieces of permanent pavement markings up and down the streets.
The colder weather prevented the permanent pavement markings from sticking to the streets, Jefferson City Operation Division Director Britt Smith said.
"They're good for a number of years, 10 plus, but the weather conditions are such that that's just not going to work and that's the reason they peeled up, especially those yellows that were done the most recent time where temperatures were right on the cusp of being OK," Smith said. "Our ground temperatures are just not up like we would expect this time of year."
To apply the permanent pavement marking, subcontractor KW Luetkemeyer Painting had to heat up the asphalt to high temperatures and apply the markings. Then they melted the markings into the pavement.
Due to cold weather, Smith said, KW Luetkemeyer Painting will finish the permanent pavement markings in the spring. He added he does not believe the wait will create any "adverse conditions" downtown.
The city plans to use regular white paint to mark the parking spots along East High and Madison streets. If the weather cooperates, Smith said, that work may begin today.
While some parking spots may be closed while the city marks the parking stalls, Smith added, neither streets will be closed due to the painting.
"We believe this is a minor setback," Smith said. "Certainly it's an inconvenience, and we wish we were done but we've been flirting with very adverse temperatures for doing the work we're trying to get done by the end of the year. This winter is coming about a month earlier than what is typical."
City officials had previously hoped to complete the downtown streetscape project by Thanksgiving.
Between last November and March, the Jefferson City Council allocated $775,000 for the project, which would repair the crosswalks, sidewalks and streets along East High Street, between Adams and Washington streets, and in the 200 block of Madison Street.
The City Council also allocated $350,000 for electricity in the 100-200 blocks of East High Street and at the intersection of East High and Madison streets.
There is a warranty on the re-striping, Smith said, and the city and KW Luetkemeyer Painting will have to discuss cost. He added the city believes it was "a warranty issue" and doesn't anticipate any issues with KW Luetkemeyer Painting re-striping the lines.
If there are city expenses associated with the re-striping, Smith said, it would be a "nominal amount" and would not impact the project.