RTA Delineation Guide

Delineation
Section 16 - Guide posts and

delineation of safety barriers
The delineation guidelines have been developed to assist in designing and maintaining a quality
delineation system.
The guidelines are to comprise 19 sections and an appendix. These are initially being released
individually and in no specific order. The sections which are to be released are as follows:
Part
Title
Section 1
Introduction
Section 2
Delineation principles
Section 3
Pavement markings
Section 4
Longitudinal markings
Section 5
Enhanced longitudinal markings
Section 6
Transverse markings
Section 7
Transverse markings - Pedestrian facilities
Section 8
Diagonal and chevron markings
Section 9
Messages on pavements
Section 10
Pavement arrows
Section 11
Pavement markings at roundabouts
Section 12
Pavement markings for bicycle facilities
Section 13
Pavement markings for kerbside parking restrictions
Section 14
Maintenance of pavement markings
Section 15
Raised pavement markers
Section 16
Guide posts and delineation of safety barriers
Section 17
Alignment signs and markers
Section 18
Delineation systems
Section 19
Delineation management and audit
Appendix A
Locating and setting out of dividing (barrier) lines
To determine which sections are currently available go to:

www.rta.nsw.gov.au/doingbusinesswithus/downloads/technicalmanuals/delineation_dl1.html
The information contained in the various parts is intended to be used as a guide to good practice.
Discretion and judgement should be exercised in the light of the many factors that may influence
the choice of delineation devices in any situation. The guidelines make reference, where relevant,
to current Australian Standards and are intended to supplement and otherwise assist in their
interpretation and application.
Delineation
Section 16
GUIDE POSTS &
DELINEATION OF
SAFETY BARRIERS
Special Note:
As from 17 January 2011, the RTA is adopting the Austroads Guides (Guide to Traffic
Management) and Australian Standards (AS 1742, 1743 & 2890) as its primary technical
references.
An RTA Supplement has been developed for each Part of the Guide to Traffic Management
and relevant Australian Standard. The Supplements document any mandatory RTA practice
and any complementary guidelines which need to be considered.
The RTA Supplements must be referred to prior to using any reference material.
This RTA document is a complementary guideline. Therefore if any conflict arises, the RTA
Supplements, the Austroads Guides and the Australian Standards are to prevail.
The RTA Supplements are located on the RTA website at www.rta.nsw.gov.au
Version 1.0
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Roads and Traffic Authority

www.rta.nsw.gov.au
VERSION:
ISSUED:
1.0
February 2010
APPROVED BY:
SIGNED
SIGNED
Phil Margison
General Manager
Traffic Management
Michael de Roos
General Manager
Safer Roads
AUTHORISED FOR USE BY:
SIGNED
Peter Collins
Director
Network Management
2009 Roads and Traffic Authority NSW

Extracts from these guidelines may be reproduced providing
the subject is kept in context and the source is acknowledged.
Every effort has been made to supply complete and accurate
information. However RTA, NSW assumes no responsibility for its use.
All trade name references herein are either trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective companies.
For policy and technical enquiries regarding these guidelines please contact:
Traffic Management Branch
Email: technical_directions_publication@rta.nsw.gov.au
To access electronic copies of these and other guidelines go to:

www.rta.nsw.gov.au/doingbusinesswithus/downloads/technicalmanuals/technicalmanuals_dl1.html
For the latest amendments (if any) to these guidelines go to:

www.rta.nsw.gov.au/doingbusinesswithus/downloads/technicalmanuals/delineation_dl1.html
ISBN
978-1-921242-89-2 (Electronic only)
RTA/Pub. 08.091
ii
Version 1.0
Delineation Section 16 Guide posts & delineation of safety barriers
Contents
16.1 General principles ............................................................................16-1
16.1.1 Purpose...............................................................................................................16-1
16.2 Types..................................................................................................16-1
16.2.1 Specifications .....................................................................................................16-1
16.2.2 Selection .............................................................................................................16-3
16.2.3 Delineators ........................................................................................................16-3
16.3 Application of guide posts ...............................................................16-7
16.3.1 Warrants for use..............................................................................................16-7
16.3.2 Lateral placement and height.........................................................................16-8
16.3.3 Spacing of guide posts .....................................................................................16-8
16.3.4 Delineation of hazards and road narrowing............................................ 16-11
16.3.5 Maintenance of guide posts......................................................................... 16-12
16.4 Delineation of guard fence and bridge rails.................................16-12
16.4.1 Spacing of delineators................................................................................... 16-12
16.5 Delineation of wire rope safety barrier (WRSB) ........................16-14
16.5.1 General........................................................................................................... 16-14
16.5.2 Colour of posts ............................................................................................ 16-14
16.5.2 Treatment ....................................................................................................... 16-15
16.6 Delineation of concrete safety barriers .......................................16-16
16.6.1 General ............................................................................................................ 16-16
16.6.2 Purpose............................................................................................................ 16-17
16.6.3 Treatment ....................................................................................................... 16-17
16.6.4 Safety barrier is located more than 4m from nearest edge................. 16-18
16.7
Extraneous delineation..................................................................16-20
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Delineation Section 16 Guide post & delineation of safety barriers
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16.1 General principles

16.1.1 Purpose
Guide posts are a simple and an effective form of long range delineation,
which conveys information of the road alignment.
Guide posts outline the edges of the roadway to indicate the lateral limits
of the safe trafficable way and indicate the alignment of the road ahead,
especially at horizontal and vertical curves. Under some circumstances they
also provide a gauge to assess available sight distance.
The major advantages of guide posts are:
(a)
They are observable far ahead (particularly in poor visibility

conditions)
(b)
They can be observed even when the pavement has become

obscured because of vertical or horizontal curves
(c)
They are not subject to traffic wear
(d)
They do not become covered by water, snow, or sand which can

obscure the pavement markings (although the reflector may
become dirty)
(e)
They are located on the near side of the driver away from the glare
of opposing vehicle headlights
16.2 Types
16.2.1 Specifications
RTA specifications 3411, Supply of Guide Posts - Timber and 3412, Supply
of Guide Posts - Non Timber contains the technical specifications and
approved types of guide posts. RTA Specification R131 is the QA road
construction specification covering the installation of the guide posts. The
followings types of guide posts are specified in these specifications:
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16-1
(a)
Timber guide posts 100 mm x 50 mm (nominal) cross section,

painted white.
(b)
Flexible guide posts This type of guide post deflects when

impacted by a vehicle and then returns to a vertical position,
without maintenance intervention. They are 100 mm wide, white
and use plastic, rubber or similar material.
(c)
Semi flexible guide posts This type of guide post fails by

bending when impacted by a vehicle, and can be straightened with
maintenance intervention. They are 100 mm wide, white and use
plastic, metal or other material.
(d)
Rigid guide posts This type either fractures or remains intact,

but does not remain vertical, when impacted by a vehicle. They are
100 mm wide, white and made of metal or a non-timber material.
Figure 16.1:
16-2
Typical Guide Post
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16.2.2 Selection
Guide posts should respond in a safe manner when struck, and not present
a further danger in their damaged condition. The RTA encourages the use
of guide posts made of recycled products, provided they meet the
specifications. Consider the following points when selecting the type of
guide post to be used in a given situation:
(a)
Flexible guide posts or guide posts with a hinged arrangement at

ground level should be used in situations where guide posts are
likely to be struck by vehicles, for example, tight curves and where
shoulders are narrow. Flexible guide posts or guide posts with a
hinged arrangement at ground level should also be used on roads
which experience significant volumes of motor cycles or bicycles.
(b)
Timber or semi-flexible guide posts may be used in situations where

guide posts are unlikely to be struck by vehicles. Use of rigid guide
posts should be avoided.
(c)
In zones with regular pedestrian traffic, delineators (refer to section

16.2.3 for details) made from reflective sheeting should be
provided. Corner cube delineators are prone to vandalism and
should not be used in this situation. Specification RTA 3412
prohibits the use of corner cube delineators, on flexible or semiflexible guide posts. The corner cube delineators can be damaged
by vehicular impact.
16.2.3 Delineators
Delineators are small retro-reflectors or panels of retro-reflective material
which are attached to guide posts, guard fence, bridge end posts, or similar
supports and concrete safety barriers, to provide a coherent pattern of
delineation of the edges of the carriageway as an aid to night driving. In the
case of guide posts they are attached at a distance between 50 mm and 100
mm from the top of the post to the top of the delineator so that one retroreflector is visible per guide post from either direction of traffic.
(a)
Mounting plates are used for the attachment of delineators to guard

fence, bridge rails, concrete safety barriers, and bridge end posts.
Mounting plates are used so that delineators protrude above the
top line of these devices. They should be located so as to be,
approximately, at uniform grade with guide posts (i.e. between 900-
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16-3
1000 mm above the ground) and conform to the spacing and colour
specified for guide posts.
(b)
All Wire Rope Safety barriers (WRSB) systems shall have retroreflective material attached to the top of the post. Refer to Section
16.5 for details.
(c)
Figure 16.2 to Figure 16.4 show typical delineator bracket and

mounting arrangements on guard fence and safety barriers.
Figure 16.2:
16-4
Typical delineation unit on guard fence
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Figure 16.3:
Alternative delineator units on guard fence
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16-5
Figure 16.4:
Delineator unit for concrete safety fence
16.2.3.1 Colour of retro-reflectors

Retro-reflector units on guide posts, bridge rails, safety barriers, and bridge
end posts shall be arranged so that the drivers approaching from either
direction will see only:
(a)
Red retro-reflectors on the nearside
(b)
White retro-reflectors on the offside on two-way carriageways
(c)
Yellow retro-reflectors on the offside on one-way carriageways and

on the medians separating traffic in opposing directions on two-way
carriageways
(Yellow reflectors are specified on the right (off) side of one-way

carriageways for consistency with established practice with raised pavement
markers).
16-6
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16.2.3.2 Performance requirements

RTA Specifications 3411 and 3412 specify that retro-reflectors shall be
either Type A (i.e. 85 mm diameter corner cube reflectors) complying with
AS 1906.2 and with a minimum of 6 segments, or Class 1A reflective
sheeting complying with AS 1906.1. In the case of Class 1A sheeting the
specified minimum area is 10,000 mm2 in a circular, oval or rectangular
configuration. Where an oval or rectangular configuration is used, a
minimum width of 50 mm is specified.
These two options have similar photometric output, and factors influencing
the choice between Type A and Class 1A retro-reflectors on a project
include:
(a)
Desirability for consistency within a route, or along a section of

road
(b)
Likelihood of being hit, noting that corner cube reflectors, are more
susceptible to damage by a vehicle or vandalism
(c)
Reflective sheeting requires regular cleaning
(d)
Price, adjusted for life expectancy (cost effectiveness)
(e)
There may be specific circumstances (e.g. to enhance visibility of

animals) where the use of retro-reflectors of lower luminance may
be desirable
16.3 Application of guide posts

16.3.1 Warrants for use
16.3.1.1 Rural roads
Guide posts delineate the edge of the road formation and assist the road
user by indicating the alignment of road ahead. Guide posts should,
therefore, be provided on all rural divided and undivided roads.
16.3.1.2 Urban roads

Guide posts are normally not provided on urban roads that are well lit.
However, they may be provided on unlit urban roads (kerbed or unkerbed) with poor alignment or inadequate edge delineation.
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16-7
16.3.1.3 Freeways
Guide posts should be installed on rural freeways. They are not usually
required on inner urban freeways that are well lit and have carriageway
edges well defined by other means. Where urban freeways begin to have
similar characteristics as rural freeways, guide posts should be provided.
16.3.2 Lateral placement and height

(a)
Guide posts should be located at or near the edge of formation so

that they are not less than 1.2 m and no more than 4 m from the
edge of the pavement. If located on a kerbed road, guide posts
should be positioned approximately 600 mm behind the face of the
kerb. Wherever practicable the distance from the pavement edge
to the guide post should be a consistent width throughout the
posted section.
(b)
Guide posts should be set to a height of approximately 1 m (Figure

16.1). On curves they should be located at a constant distance
from the edge of the pavement so as to form a smooth line around
the curve, and if there are irregularities in the shoulder contours
the posts should be set into the ground so that the top is on a
smooth grade.
16.3.3 Spacing of guide posts

(a)
Straight sections guide posts are usually positioned every 150 m

on straight sections, with posts positioned in pairs, one on each
side of the formation. The spacing may be reduced to 60 m in
areas subject to frequent fogs, or increased to 200 m on roads
consisting of long straights in flat terrain and carrying less than 1500
vpd.
(b)
Curves guide post on curves should provide the driver with a

clear impression of the direction, extent and sharpness of the
curve. The system should be free of gaps and spacing or height
irregularities that may affect the smoothness of the pattern. The
installation of such posts should be checked at night to ensure that
these objectives are met.
Guide posts are positioned so that at least two pairs of delineators (the
nearest being not less than 40 m ahead of the vehicle) are fully visible at all
times.
16-8
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The spacing of guide posts on curves should be calculated as explained

below:
(a)
Obtain the radius of the circular portion of the curve. Where the
radius of the curve is not available from records, it may be
determined approximately by measuring the middle ordinate offset
from a chord of known length using either the edge of the
pavement or a marked longitudinal line as a guide (Figure 16.5).
Figure 16.5:
Calculation of Radius
(b)
Locate the first post on the outside of the curve at the point where
the centre-line-shift from the approach-straight is 0.5 m (transition
or plain circular curves). This point can be estimated by eye where
plans are unavailable.
(c)
Continue spacing around outside curve in accordance with the

spacing given in Table 16.1, terminating at the point at the far end
of the curve that is nearest to the point where the 0.5 centre line
shift occurs as in (b) above for the opposite approach.
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16-9
(d)
Locate a post on the inside of the curve opposite both the first and
last post on the outside of the curve. Locate intermediate posts on
the inside of the curve in accordance with Table 16.1 ensuring that
as far as practicable each inside post is opposite an outside post.
(e)
Locate a further pair of posts (one on each side of the road) at each
end of the curve at a spacing equal to twice the outsideofcurve
spacing, (Table 16.1) in advance of (or beyond) the first and last
posts previously located.
(f)
Where a side road or private entrance enters on the back of a

curve, or a culvert headwall is located adjacent, the spacing may
need to be adjusted or extra posts installed to ensure that a gap is
not left in the delineation pattern which may confuse drivers.
Curve radius
< 100
100 - 199
200 - 299
300 - 399
400 - 599
600 - 699
800 - 1999
1200 - 2000
> 2000 including
straights
Spacing (m)
On outside curve
On inside curve
6
12
10
20
15
30
20
40
30
60
40
60
60
60
90
90
150
150
Table 16.1: Spacing of posts on curves (including spacing of delineators on guard

fence)
NOTES:
1)
Where the radius of an existing curve is not available from records, it may be
determined approximately as given in Section 16.3.3 (b).
2)
On safety barriers, spacing should be adjusted, if necessary, to the nearest multiple of

post spacing.
3)
A post on the inside of a curve is to be placed opposite a post on the outside of a curve
wherever practicable.
4)
Reduce spacing to 60 m in areas subject to fog.
5)
The spacings in this table are based on approximates of the following formulae:
Curve radii up to 150m
S=0.03r+5
Curve radii above 150m
S=0.06r
Where S = spacing, r = radius of curve

6)
16-10
Crests and cuttings where crests have a straight alignment, guide posts are positioned
so that at least two pairs of delineators (the nearest being not less than 40 m ahead of
the vehicle) are fully visible at all times. On crests within horizontal curves, this
Version 1.0

requirement is combined with those outlined above in spacing stipulations for curves.
Guide posts are always continued through cuttings to provide continuity of delineation.
7)
Bridges and culverts where a safety barrier or a hand rail is not provided and the
structure is at least the full formation width, posts are erected in the following manner:
(a) At structures 5 m or more in length, four posts one at each end of the headwall
or kerbing, plus additional pairs of posts at spacings of 10 m maximum for
structures longer than 10 m
(b) At structures less than 5 m in length, two posts one on each nearside approach
end of headwall or kerbing
(c) At all pipe and single cell box culverts, one post at each headwall
16.3.4 Delineation of hazards and road narrowing

The spacing of guide posts over the transition at road narrowings and at
hazards within the road formation should be in accordance with Figure
16.6.
Figure 16.6:
Guide Post at hazards and road narrowing
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16-11
16.3.5 Maintenance of guide posts

Guide posts are highly susceptible to knock-downs, vandalism and theft.
Bent or missing guideposts or delineators (retro-reflectors) should be
promptly replaced.
Road splash, dirt or vegetation may also degrade the visibility of the guide
posts and delineators.
Maintenance practices should ensure the
effectiveness of the units is retained.
16.4 Delineation of guard fence and bridge rails

16.4.1 Spacing of delineators
The spacing of delineators on guard fence, bridge rails and concrete safety
barriers is described in Sections 16.4.1.1 and 16.4.1.2. It should be noted
that the delineator is only provided where the guard fence, bridge rail or
safety barrier is located not more than 4 m from the nearest edge of the
running lane (and there is no reduction in pavement width).
16.4.1.1 On curves
Delineators are placed at the same spacing as given in Table 16.1, ensuring
that there is a delineator at or within 5 m of the leading end of the safety
barrier, discounting any flared section of the barrier.
Delineators are not placed on flared sections of steel rail safety barriers,
however if the length of the area requires placement of a delineator, it
should be attached to a flexible post to match the line of the adjacent
delineation.
For motorcyclist safety, ensure that delineators are frangible and not sharp,
and avoid adding protrusions.
16.4.1.2 On straight sections

Delineators are spaced at 150 m, reducing it to 10 m where the installation
results in narrowing of the nearest travel lane (e.g. on a narrow bridge)
see Section 16.3.4.
For motorcyclist safety, ensure that delineators are frangible and not sharp,
and avoid adding protrusions.
16-12
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On safety barrier ends with non flared crash attenuators, a delineator is

placed on the terminal in accordance with the manufacturers specification.
16.4.1.3 Steel rail safety barrier buffered end terminal and

impact head delineation
Safety barrier terminals on high-speed rural highways may require
delineation of buffered end terminals and/or impact heads. A delineator
comprising of reflective sheeting, containing a black diagonal slash (non
reflective) on a yellow background (class 1), may be used to delineate these
ends. See Figure 16.7.
Figure 16.7:
Bull Nose delineation (all dimension in mm)
It is preferable to maintain continuity of delineation. In some cases this may

result in the continuation of guide posts between the edge of the
carriageway and the bridge rail or safety barrier. In such cases reflectors
shall not be attached to the bridge rail or safety barrier.
Where the bridge rail or safety barrier is more than 4 m from nearest edge
of running lane:
(a)
Delineators are not placed on the safety barrier but guide posts are
continued along the edge of formation at the required spacing,
(presented in Table 16.1)
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16-13
(b)
The buffered end or impact head of the safety barrier shall not be
delineated
Where a bridge rail or safety barrier is installed and there is a reduction in

pavement width by narrowing of the nearest travel lane (e.g. narrow bridge)
delineators are placed on the rail or barrier at 20 m spacing. On the
approach to the reduced pavement width, delineators are placed on the rail
at 7.5 m spacing over 30 m. If the safety barrier on the approach is less
than 30 m long, guide posts are provided to extend the delineation at 7.5 m
spacing for the full 30 m.
16.5 Delineation of wire rope safety barrier

(WRSB)
Wire Rope Safety Barrier has gained popularity as a median or edge barrier
for the prevention of cross-median or run-off the road type accidents.
The visibility of wire rope safety barrier (WRSB) is an important issue.
16.5.1 General
WRSB are non-rigid systems comprising three or four tensioned wire
ropes, supported on frangible posts. The posts normally sit in a concrete
socket which allows them to be readily withdrawn. This means that after an
impact, unusable posts can be replaced (subject to socket damage). Special
connectors are available for attachment to bridge decks and similar areas
where concrete sockets are inappropriate. End and intermediate anchor
blocks are required to maintain tension in the ropes.
16.5.2 Colour of posts

WRSB in speed zones 80 km/h must be white (except in snow
conditions). Other WRSB must have white posts if any of these conditions
apply:
16-14
Median installations less than 2.5 m from edge line defining the median
separation
Roadside installations less than 2.5 m from edge line
Where a WRSB is located on a painted median
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Where a WRSB is located on the outside of a curve with a radius

< 600 m
Where there is a history of vehicles colliding with a safety barrier
In areas prone to low visibility conditions such as fog
For narrow or narrowing road formations such as approaches to and

within bridges and tunnels
Where there are no edge lines
Where the shoulder is not sealed
Where there is no street lighting
Non-white posts could be used in a low speed environment (eg 60km/h) in

which white posts would not provide any delineation benefit (eg the posts
are obscured by landscape plantings)
The posts must be yellow wherever yellow road markings are used because
of snow conditions. WRSB systems shall have retro-reflective material
attached to the top of the post. Refer to section 16.2.3.1 for retro-reflector
colour requirements.
16.5.2 Treatment
Where guide posts would normally be required and a WRSB system is to
be installed, instead of installing guide posts either in front or behind the
barrier, post caps are to be marked with a 100 mm (wide) x 50 mm (high)
Class 1A reflective tape. Post caps to be marked at suitable intervals based
on post spacings to approximate 10 m intervals between markings.
Figure 16.8 illustrates delineation of the approaches to a Wire Rope Safety
Barrier located in the centre of the road.
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16-15
Figure 16.8:
Wire Rope Safety Barrier
16.6 Delineation of concrete safety barriers

16.6.1 General
The visibility of concrete safety barriers (Type F as per Road Design Guide)
is an important issue. Their composition provides little contrast with the
roadway pavement, making them difficult to see at night, particularly in the
rain, and under opposing headlight glare conditions.
16-16
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16.6.2 Purpose
Adequate barrier delineation treatments will provide drivers with a defined
path during darkness and adverse weather conditions.
16.6.3 Treatment
Approaches to the concrete safety barrier shall have an energy absorbing
crash terminal with proper delineation at the front. See Figure 16.11
Where the safety barrier is located, 4 m or less, from the nearest edge of
the running lane, the standard delineation treatments will consist of:
16.6.3.1 Retro reflective unit (delineator) on top of the

barrier
Retro-reflective units (delineators) are hard aluminium panels 1.6 mm thick
(see Figure 16.4 for dimensions). A diagonal slash of Class 1A (diamond
grade) Yellow-Green fluorescent reflective sheeting, is attached to both
sides of the panel, on a black, non-reflective background. The direction of
the diagonal slash would be forward if it is located on the right hand side of
the traffic and if the barrier is located on the left hand side of the traffic, a
backward slash is used.
The delineation unit is attached to the safety barrier at 20 m spacing to
provide a coherent pattern of delineation. The delineators are mounted on
the barrier as detailed in Figure 16.9.
16.6.3.2 Pavement marking alongside the safety barrier,

situated in the median
An edge line (refer to Table 4.5 in Section 4.5) should be marked, alongside
the safety barrier, situated in the median, at an offset of
(a)
1 m if 85th percentile speed is less than 90km/h
(b)
1.5 m if 85th percentile speed is between 90km/h and 100km/h
(c)
2 m for 85th percentile speed is 100 km/h or more
Yellow reflective raised pavement markers should be used at 12 m spacings

to supplement the edge line.
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16-17
16.6.3.3 Pavement marking alongside the safety barrier,

situated on the left side
An edge line should be marked, alongside the safety barrier, on the left side,
at an offset of:
(a)
1.5 m if the 85th percentile speed is 70km/h or less
(b)
2 m if the 85th percentile speed is between 70km/h and 90km/h
(c)
2.5 m if the 85th percentile is 90km/h or more
Red reflective markers should be used at 12 m spacing to supplement the

edge line.
Figure 16.9:
Connection Details
16.6.4 Safety barrier is located more than 4m from nearest edge

Where the safety barrier is located more than 4 m from nearest edge of a
running lane, delineators are not placed on the safety barrier but guide
posts are continued along the edge of formation at the required spacing.
16-18
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Figure 16.10:
Typical application of concrete barrier delineation
Figure 16.11:
Delineation of crash terminal
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16-19
16.7 Extraneous delineation

Effective route delineation is largely dependent on implementing clear
delineation techniques in a consistent manner. The pattern, which is
established by such techniques, assists in defining the alignment and layout
of the road, providing drivers with additional cues about the road
formation.
While controlled methods of delineation are beneficial to drivers
extraneous delineators may upset the regularity and clarity of the pattern.
Examples of extraneous delineation include:
(a)
Delineators on trees, poles, private driveway entrances etc
(b)
Delineators on fixed objects close to the carriageway which should

instead be treated with width markers
(c)
Use of two or more delineators facing the same direction on any

one post or bridgeend post
(d)
Use of chevrons on the buffered end terminals of the steel beam

safety barrier
(e)
Use of guide posts for asset management purposes.
Note: These practices must not be used.
16-20
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www.rta.nsw.gov.au
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March 2008
RTA/Pub. 08.091

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Delineation

Section 16 - Guide posts and

Enhanced longitudinal markings

Transverse markings - Pedestrian facilities

Diagonal and chevron markings

Pavement markings at roundabouts

Pavement markings for bicycle facilities

Pavement markings for kerbside parking restrictions

Maintenance of pavement markings

Raised pavement markers

Guide posts and delineation of safety barriers

Alignment signs and markers

Delineation management and audit

Locating and setting out of dividing (barrier) lines

To determine which sections are currently available go to:

UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED

Roads and Traffic Authority

AUTHORISED FOR USE BY:

2009 Roads and Traffic Authority NSW

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Delineation Section 16 Guide posts & delineation of safety barriers

Delineation Section 16 Guide post & delineation of safety barriers

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Delineation Section 16 Guide posts & delineation of safety barriers

16.1 General principles

They are observable far ahead (particularly in poor visibility

They can be observed even when the pavement has become

They are not subject to traffic wear

They do not become covered by water, snow, or sand which can

Delineation Section 16 Guide post & delineation of safety barriers

Timber guide posts 100 mm x 50 mm (nominal) cross section,

Flexible guide posts This type of guide post deflects when

Semi flexible guide posts This type of guide post fails by

Rigid guide posts This type either fractures or remains intact,

Typical Guide Post

Delineation Section 16 Guide posts & delineation of safety barriers

Flexible guide posts or guide posts with a hinged arrangement at

Timber or semi-flexible guide posts may be used in situations where

In zones with regular pedestrian traffic, delineators (refer to section

Mounting plates are used for the attachment of delineators to guard

Delineation Section 16 Guide post & delineation of safety barriers

Figure 16.2 to Figure 16.4 show typical delineator bracket and

Typical delineation unit on guard fence

Delineation Section 16 Guide posts & delineation of safety barriers

Alternative delineator units on guard fence

Delineation Section 16 Guide post & delineation of safety barriers

Delineator unit for concrete safety fence

16.2.3.1 Colour of retro-reflectors

Red retro-reflectors on the nearside

White retro-reflectors on the offside on two-way carriageways

Yellow retro-reflectors on the offside on one-way carriageways and

(Yellow reflectors are specified on the right (off) side of one-way

Delineation Section 16 Guide posts & delineation of safety barriers

16.2.3.2 Performance requirements

Desirability for consistency within a route, or along a section of

Reflective sheeting requires regular cleaning

Price, adjusted for life expectancy (cost effectiveness)

There may be specific circumstances (e.g. to enhance visibility of

16.3 Application of guide posts