Well, we can say delineator posts are simple traffic markers that you can place on roads. They are made of plastic and special types of flexible materials. These posts are commonly designed like tall poles for clear visibility. In case of an accident or construction, you can use delineators to guide drivers.
Delineator posts also help in bad weather conditions when the drivers feel hard to see the road clearly. Traffic safety officers especially use them during fogg, snowfalls, rain and road work to decrease accident rate.
Today, we will explain how delineator posts work, the different types, and how you can use them in your projects. We are a top supplier of delineator posts. That’s why our team has also included helpful tips in this guide so you know how to officially install delineators on roads, pathways, and parking sites.
4 Basic Parts of Delineator Posts
This small tool includes 4 basic components. Here, we will discuss all these one by one.
- Post & Hinge: This part is made up of flexible material. That’s why if any vehicle hits it, it will not break. The hinge will pop it back and stand up in the right position (like nothing happened).
- Base: Base is the bottom part of delineator posts. In case of temporary usage, construction managers use a rubber base but it is also available in metal and steel. Moreover, the main purpose of the base is to hold the upper part of the post on the road.
- Grips: These are the parts that can easily lock the top post & hinge in the base. Generally, it is used so the post should not fall down and shake if any vehicle or person strikes with it.
- Pin: Lastly, the pin is a very small part of this tool that keeps everything together. You can use it to add an extra layer of security in case of any damage.
Working of Delineator Posts
Once the delineator post is placed on the road, it helps the driver to see the road directions from a far distance. It has shiny strips which indicate messages for travelers. For example: an orange strip tells us that there is construction happening on the road. On the other hand, yellow or white strip color shows the traffic flow.
A blue colored delineator post is used to guide directions in events and parks. This is the way in which a driver picks up these things and makes decisions accordingly. In some cases, these posts are also placed on blocked routes or even guide the routes that are not clear. In this way this gadget works to secure our lives.
Different Types of Delineator Posts
Flexible Delineator Posts
A flexible delineator post is made up of bendable material such as polyurethane or soft plastic. Specifically, they are placed on roads with a high risk of accidents. You will commonly see these posts at places where permanent poles are not suitable.
Furthermore, bright colors are used to capture the interest of drivers for quicker response. But it is a little bit more costly as compared to reflective posts.
Reflective Delineator Posts
Generally, these posts are manufactured with rigid material (metal or hard plastic) with reflexive sheets. They offer excellent visibility and grab the attention more strongly as compared to flexible poles.
That’s why these posts are used in areas with heavy traffic flow and unpredictable weather zones. If we talk about its pricing, they are a more affordable option.
Solar Powered Delineator Posts
Now if we talk about these delineators, they use advanced solar energy to get power. This can be an environment friendly and budget friendly approach for your project.
Because it charges itself in the daytime and provides directions for drivers at night via its built-in LED lights. These posts charge a little more than flexible and reflective poles but still save the cost of electric supply.
Multiple Colors & Sizes of Delineator Posts
In the market , delineator posts are available with different colors and sizes. Each variety has its unique features and uses as well. In these tables you will learn how the right color and height can help drivers and workers stay alert in different places.
| Sizes of Delineator Posts | ||
| Height of Delineator Posts | Visibility and Qualities | Best Applications |
| 18 inches (45 cm) | Low profile, cover short distance / sunproof & crack free | Warehouses, parking garages/tight spaces |
| 28 inches (71cm) | Medium range (detectable to nearby drivers) & versatile in design | Street work, school zones, plus general road guidance |
| 36 inches (91cm) | 360 degrees easy to spot and long lasting | Outdoor, busy highway, intersections & construction zones |
| 42 inches (107cm) | Visible from far away & PVC / soft plastic | High-speed roads, work zones, heavy traffic areas |
There are Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) groups present in the US who set the color standard for these traffic posts. People should follow these rules at all costs. Below table will explain you all about colors of delineator posts.
| Type of Color | Code of Color | Implementations |
| Red | Danger or restricted routes | Fire zones, emergency, no-entry zones |
| Green | Open area or guidance | Free access, parks/driveways |
| Blue | Reserved spot | Medical places & handicap parking |
| Yellow | Slow zone / general alert | Low-speed, warehouse paths |
| Orange | Warning or caution | Road construction and traffic control |
| White | Lane marking & direction | Bike paths, highway lanes |
Applications of Delineator Posts
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Roadside Guidance
Mostly, traffic safety officers use delineator posts to mark the edges of roads (especially in low visibility) such as curves or hills. So that the vehicle’s operator maintains the correct lane. The main aim is to reduce the risk of accidents. You can also place them along highways, rural roads, and sharp turns for better direction.
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Work Zone Safety
You will often see delineator posts around construction or maintenance zones. So that you can spot changes in road layout and slow down your car speed if needed. Plus, these posts create a clear barrier between moving vehicles and work areas.
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Parking and Lane Organization
When we manage busy parking areas or driveways, clear lane marking is important. And that is the scenario where delineator posts can help. They show you exactly where to park or drive. It also reduces your confusion and keeps everything organized. Major installation sites are shopping centers, warehouses and event spaces.
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Bicycle Pathways
As we all know, people on bikes need safe and clear paths, just like drivers do. To separate bike lanes from traffic, highway engineers put delineator posts on roads. As a result, riders have a safer space to travel. However, you might see them in cities where more of the public prefers bikes for daily travel.
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Foot Traffic Routes
These posts are also used to guide people who walk through busy areas. For example: warehouses, event spaces or industrial construction sites. In this way, they separate walking paths from your vehicle zones and keep everyone safe.
4 Rules You Must Follow For Delineator Post Placements
Set-Up and Height
You must place delineator posts 2 to 8 feet (0.6 to 2.4 meters) outside the edge of the road shoulder. Also, install the reflector in a way so its bottom is about 4 feet above the road.
Reflector Quality and Visibility
According to MUTCD rules, you need to use reflectors on each delineator post that are at least 3 inches wide. It should shine brightly when car headlights hit them, even from 1,000 feet away. You have to notice that the post is about 4 feet above the road so drivers can see it clearly.
Criteria For Spacing
If you are going to place these markers on curved roads then delineators placement should be between 20 feet. We advise you to please never exceed the limit of 300 feet. If we talk about the general spacing so as road builders, you must keep a range between 200 feet & 530 feet apart.
Color and Special Use Cases
As we all know, each color has different features. So you can select the color according to requirements and the location where you will set them. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices categorizes common color in a way that:
- Red: Mark truck ramps (wrong direction).
- White: Indicate road’s right edge.
- Yellow: Left-hand edge of routes
7 Advantages of Using a Delineator Post
Lane Separation
Suppose you drive through areas where space is tight. In this case, road constructors place delineator posts to divide lanes clearly. So that you can ride smoothly and reduce the chance of mixing traffic flows.
UV Protected Colors
If we talk about the areas which face harsh sunlight that can damage the color of common posts. But, delineator posts are manufactured in a way that its color can easily resist ultra violet rays. Those special coated colors keep them bright and clear for a long time for your roadway safety.
Low Maintenance
You don’t have to worry about frequent repairs or replacements of delineator posts. The reason is that engineers design them to be durable. So you only need little upkeep. Additionally, you should do weekly checkups for the detection of any faults.
Increases Traffic Flow & Driver Awareness
Well, you can use these markers to warn the drivers and alert them about any critical situations. Due to its ability to control the flow of heavy vehicles, highway engineers only consider these posts to handle and improve road safety.
All Weather Clarity
It is among the most versatile use of delineator posts when the surroundings conditions are rainy, foggy or snow. No matter what the weather is, they do their job properly. This is possible due to the flexible design and quality material which is used in it.
Durable & Easy Setup
During the manufacturing of delineator posts, global traffic equipment companies use strong substances. As a result, this sets posts up on roads for a long time period. This is the most stand-out property of delineator posts. Furthermore, with a little time and effort, you can put it on the street/highways as well.
Safety At Crosswalks
You might have noticed that when people cross the road, delineator posts are there to mark crosswalks clearly. So drivers easily see the pedestrians. This way, they can easily adjust their automobiles’ speed.
Our Final Tips For The Selection of Correct Delineator Posts
If you are going to buy delineator posts for your project, we suggest that you follow these instructions:
- Firstly, checkout the material type like rubber plastic or something else used in manufacturing. Then check the quality of material and consider durability according to the weather and traffic flow of your specific area.
- The second thing you should do is to examine the height. According to our experience, this feature is selected according to the type of road you want to place it on. For example, for highly curved (ups and downs) roads, tall poles are always a good option for far visibility.
- Before purchasing any type of pole, always ensure its base weight, mounting option and reflective intensity of colors. These all things will help you choose the best delineator posts according to your specific needs.
Conclusion
Hence, if you are a highway engineer or facility manager, you are now well aware of the benefits of using delineator posts. Our final recommendation will be that when you use them, please take care of the official rules related to height & spacing. Plus, we also showed you several delineator post types. So you can analyze which one is the top fit for your project.
Our team at Jackwin has been manufacturing and exporting ISO-certified delineator posts for the last 18 years. You can talk to us today for getting your customized traffic safety and parking products.
FAQs
What Materials Are Used to Make Delineator Posts?
There are many different kinds of material used in delineator posts. Like plastic, rubber, mattel, polyurethane and PVC. These all materials have their own plus points according to the placement area.
Are Delineator Posts Suitable For All Types of Roads?
Actually, the answer is no. Delineator posts are helpful for many roads. But they are not always ideal for all kinds of roads. So, you should not use them on narrow roads or where they may harm cyclists or motorcyclists. Moreover, we recommend you to use them in specific spots, not on straight roads or fast areas.
What is the Difference Between Delineator Posts and Traffic Cones?
Generally, people find both delineator posts and traffic cones on roads. But they have different purposes. Delineator posts are used for long-term guidance and mark road edges in dangerous areas. On the other side, municipal governments or road construction companies place cones to redirect traffic temporarily.
What is the Cost of Installing Delineator Posts on a Road or Highway?
If we talk about the cost of the installation process, we will say it varies according to their type, material and quantity. On average, each post can cost around $40 per item (especially in china). However, with the JackWin team, you will get top quality delineator posts along with 1 to 3 years warranty.
