They’re mini but mighty, swishy but steadfast, authoritative but not oppressive! No, we’re not talking about a sports team or even a politician! Today’s blog entry is all about delineator posts—what they are, their different colors and sizes, and why they might be a great addition to your next roadway project.
“What are delineator posts?”
Delineator posts are a type of traffic marker that, when mounted properly, essentially look like plastic poles stuck to the road or coming out of the ground. They’re most frequently used to divide lanes on roadways and help direct the flow of traffic—especially in construction areas or in places where normal traffic patterns have recently changed
A post generally consists of a plastic tube, a hinge, and a base. Depending upon the kind of delineator and the materials used to set them in place, posts can either be installed on a temporary or a permanent basis. Sometimes, they’re used only for the duration of a construction project and then removed once the dust settles. Other times, they stick around long after the bulldozers have left, continuing to help maintain order over a busy street!
“Do delineator posts come in multiple colors and sizes?”
Yes! Delineator posts can differ widely in appearance—this fact is illustrated by the sheer number of different posts we offer in our product catalog. Some posts resemble monochromatic “straws,” while others feature details like white striping or reflective panels to improve visibility. The shape of the base varies depending upon whether the post is meant to be mounted on pavement or in soil; the former will utilize a flat bottom (to accommodate adhesive on a flat surface), while the latter will be pointed to help drive the post into the ground more easily. And finally, the height of the post can be customized—some posts are as short as 18 inches, but others can be up to 72 inches tall.
“What are the advantages of using delineator posts over different types of traffic markers?”
Buyers tend to opt for delineator posts over other pavement marking tools for a few different reasons. They include:
»»Durability. Many cultures around the world have proverbs that reference the tendency of small, thin reeds to bend in the face of strong wind—and, in doing so, survive—while tall, rigid trees simply break. The point is to illustrate the idea that, while we often think of things that are tough and unyielding as being “strong” and malleable things as being “weak,” sometimes, flexibility is strength, too. And that’s the principle behind delineators. While a plastic post won’t really stop a car that drives into or over it, and a pedestrian truly determined to get past it can simply push the piece to the side, neither action will destroy the post. Unless the post’s base suffers some kind catastrophic damage, the delineator will simply snap back into place. This means less money spent replacing the posts, and less time spent doing maintenance and repairs!
»»Visibility and prominence. Painted markings and ceramic channel markers are usually sufficient to guide motorists, but if we’re being honest, they’re not always easy to see—especially in darkness or during periods of inclement weather. A person may not realize that they’re veering into dangerous territory until they feel the tell-tale bump of a raised marking, or they’re right on top of a line! Delineator posts, on the other hand, are considerably harder to miss because they’re much larger and colored strategically. This makes them ideal for situations in which the normal flow of traffic has changed; the posts stand tall and have no problem shepherding cars through tricky situations.
»»Safety. With that said, though, if someone accidentally clips—or completely runs over—a delineator post with their vehicle, the post is probably not going to do any serious harm. In the vast majority of cases, the vehicle will probably be completely unscathed, or it might receive a minor ding or scrape. Barring a freak, unforeseen circumstance, the delineator will not cause a large dent or major body damage, it will not destroy the car’s tires or axel, and it will definitely not stop the vehicle in its tracks or cause the driver to lose control! Also, because the delineators are made of flexible plastic instead of steel or wood, an impact will not send sharp pieces of debris into the air or in the direction of other vehicles and pedestrians.
At Transline, we know that it takes all kinds of road markers and traffic calming solutions to keep roadways safe. That’s why we stock an enormous array of products in our catalog—including our selection of delineator posts. So browse our offerings to pick out the one that will best suit your project and your budget. And remember: when in doubt, you can always consult with a Transline representative for guidance!
