Imagine this: you’re driving down a busy highway during rush hour, completely surrounded by a sea of other vehicles. The road is under construction, and the traffic lanes are being moved to allow for crews to work. Without proper traffic lane dividers or traffic lane separators, this situation could become very dangerous and even deadly for drivers and construction crews. At Traffic management is more than just a matter of convenience. It’s something that ensures safety on our roads. As businesses and communities strive to keep up with the pace of increasing traffic volumes, the need for effective traffic management is even more important.
As a premier manufacturer and distributor of signs, traffic control products, and pavement marking equipment, Transline Industries, Inc. is committed to providing safe and innovative solutions to improve traffic management and promote road safety nationwide.
As you read this article, you’ll learn more about traffic lane separators and their role in paving the way for smoother, safer journeys for all road users.
The Purpose of Traffic Lane Separators
Navigating through multiple traffic lanes during your daily commute can sometimes feel like getting lost in a maze. If you’ve ever driven through a curving road that you are not familiar with that does not have lane separators, you know how confusing it can be. Vehicles may weave between lanes and not know where to go.
Traffic lane separators act as helpful guides that direct vehicles through designated paths. This reduces confusion among drivers and creates clear boundaries between lanes.
Traffic lane separators are sometimes referred to as traffic lane delineators, traffic lane dividers, and traffic lane markers. They help lower the chances of vehicles making unexpected lane changes that lead to lane departure accidents. They’re all about helping to reduce traffic congestion and promoting smoother traffic flow.
Safety
Traffic lane dividers are about safety. They enhance the orderly flow of traffic, prevent collisions, and protect crews who work on our roads. Lane dividers are sometimes used to separate pedestrian and bicycle areas from roadways.
Traffic lane separators can help improve driver visibility in poor weather conditions and low-light environments. When driving late at night in the rain or snow on a dark highway, it can be difficult to see the road. Traffic lane separators help drivers discern lane boundaries more easily.
Guidance
Traffic lane dividers give drivers a visual and physical barrier on roadways and intersections. Lane departures are one of the leading causes of highway accidents. Traffic lane separators help drivers stay within their lane.
Traffic congestion is also improved when lanes are clearly delineated. Traffic is more organized, and travel times are reduced.
Key Features of Effective Lane Separators
Visibility, durability, and ease of installation are all important features of effective lane separators. To be effective, lane separators must be highly visible, they must be durable even in harsh weather conditions, and they must be easily installed. Depending on where they will be used, some separators should be flexible so that they will yield when struck by a vehicle and can be easily bypassed by emergency vehicles.
Types of Traffic Lane Separators
There are a few different types of traffic lane separators used on roadways. First, let’s take a look at the difference between fixed and flexible separators.
Fixed Separators
Fixed separators are designed to prevent halt vehicles from veering off course and maintaining order on the roads. At Transline Industries, Inc., we offer a range of barrier and guardrail delineators that enhance the visibility of fixed separators.
Flexible Separators
In contrast, flexible delineators offer some more adaptability in managing various traffic conditions. Take, for example, the flexible posts used to divide HOV traffic lanes from other lanes. What sets flexible separators apart is their ability to yield upon impact. If a vehicle hits a flexible post, neither car or post are damaged, allowing traffic flow to continue.
Traffic Lane Markers: Paint Markings
Traffic lane markings are one of the most common forms of lane separators and are used to give drivers instructions on where they may drive, when they can pass, and more. Lane markings are applied using specialized paints that are designed for high durability and visibility. Thermoplastic and epoxy solutions are used in these paints to help them withstand the daily wear and tear of weather and traffic.
Traffic Lane Dividers: Physical Separators
Traffic lane dividers, on the other hand, are actual physical barriers between lanes and they may be used to divide lanes permanently or temporarily. They create separations to improve safety and traffic organization. Some of the common materials used in these dividers include:
- Concrete
- Plastic
- Metal
At Transline Industries, Inc., we carry delineator posts and delineators that go directly on guardrails and medians to ensure traffic barriers are visible and provide effective lane separation. Check out the Flexstake HD600 Delineator we offer at Transline Industries, Inc. It’s engineered to withstand up to 100 vehicular impacts at 55 mph.
Bike Lane Separators
Lastly, bike lane separators are used to divide bike lanes from vehicular traffic. They’re all about promoting cyclist safety and are manufactured from durable, high-visibility materials. Transline offers high quality bike lane separators from Zicla Zebra. Made entirely from post-consumer plastic waste of municipal origin, these highly visible, durable rubber bike lane separators can be placed in a variety of configurations to improve cyclist safety. They can also be customized to fit many needs.
Find the Right Traffic Lane Separators at Transline Industries
When you choose Transline Industries, Inc. for your traffic control products, you’ll get expert guidance on the right traffic lane separators for your needs. Considerations such as road type, traffic volume, and environmental factors are all considered to ensure road safety and efficiency.
With years of industry experience, you’ll also find a comprehensive product line tailored to meet your traffic management needs.
Reach out to us and request a quote to get started with your traffic-calming solutions today.
