How to Distinguish Between Different Types of Traffic Delineators
In the industry of traffic management and road safety, delineators play a crucial role in guiding and informing drivers. These devices provide visual cues that help drivers navigate safely, especially during low visibility conditions or areas with intricate road layouts. There are several types of delineators available, each designed for specific purposes. In this blog, we'll delve into the distinctions between different types of delineators and explore their respective applications.
Surface Mounted
Surface-mounted delineators are usually bolted into the ground. They can either be directional or omnidirectional. With a directional delineator, they can take a parallel hit by a vehicle, not a perpendicular hit. With an omnidirectional delineator, these types can withstand being hit in every direction and will move in all directions.
- Omni Flex Delineators: Omni Flex delineators are designed to be extremely flexible. They can bend upon impact, reducing damage to both the delineator and the vehicle. These delineators are commonly used in areas prone to vehicle collisions, such as sharp curves or narrow passages. The Omni flex post can withstand heavy weight or force from all angles up to 80 mph. These are designed for use on concrete, asphalt, or any solid surface.
- Flat top delineators: Flat top delineators have a flat, rectangular cross-section. They are commonly used on highways and expressways to indicate the edge of the road or to separate lanes. While they don't provide the same omnidirectional reflectivity as D-Top or N-Top delineators, their straightforward design makes them efficient for lane delineation. Flat-top delineators also meet state and federal DOT and FAA requirements.
Ground Mounted Delineators
Ground mount delineators are installed directly into the pavement. They are often used to guide drivers in low visibility conditions or areas with snow accumulation. Ground mount delineators are highly durable and can withstand the weight of vehicles passing over them.
Portable Delineators
Portable delineators are used to guide and manage vehicular and pedestrian traffic in various situations, typically in temporary or changing conditions. They are often used in construction zones, work areas, events, and other scenarios where the regular flow of traffic needs to be redirected, separated, or controlled. Portable delineators are designed to be easily transportable and quickly deployable, allowing for flexibility in their placement and configuration.
- Arch-looper Delineators: Arch-looper delineators are very easy to grab and are designed for quick installation and removal. They are often used in temporary traffic control situations, such as road work zones or special events. These delineators are simple to attach and detach, making them ideal for situations requiring frequent changes to traffic patterns. They are very light to be able to move around in various locations and meet both the MUTCD and NCHRP-350 standards. The looper tubes also known as wing tip markers are made of low-density polyethylene plastic. D-Top delineators are perhaps the most commonly recognized form of delineators. They feature a "D" shaped cross-section, resembling a flat plate with a curved top. These delineators are typically mounted on posts and are widely used to mark lanes, curves, and intersections. The curved surface of D-Top delineators helps reflect headlights in multiple directions, enhancing visibility.
- Grabber Delineators: The innovative handle design facilitates effortless transportation, placement, dragging, or lifting of the Grabber Tube from the vehicle to the site. Connecting caution tape between tubes for enclosing the work area and enhancing visibility is made quick and simple. N-Top delineators, like D-Top delineators, also have a curved top for improved visibility. However, their cross-section is more angular, resembling the letter "N." These delineators are frequently employed to indicate changes in road alignment, such as lane shifts and merges. Their design ensures effective light reflection from various angles.
- Channelizers: Channelizer cones, distinct from the typical small orange cones, represent one of the most commonly employed devices for channelizing in the road construction sector. These sleek orange cones serve the purpose of directing traffic flow, and delineating lanes, and are frequently utilized at brief maintenance or utility work locations to enhance safety measures.
Understanding Delineator Bases
There are different bases to put on certain delineators. Delineator bases either come in a square, hexagon, or octagon shape. The weight of these bases can range from 8, 10, 12, 15, and 16 lbs. Depending on location, you will need these bases for places like rooftops, construction sites, parking lots, manufacturing plants, and office buildings. All Traffic Cone For Less bases are manufactured in the United States and are made from 100% recycled rubber tires and are re-vulcanized for maximum durability.
Conclusion
The varied types of delineators available cater to diverse traffic management needs. When utilized appropriately, this equipment contributes significantly to road safety, helping drivers navigate complex road layouts, inclement weather, and other challenging conditions with confidence. Whether it's guiding through a construction zone or demarcating lanes on a busy highway, delineators play an essential role in ensuring safer journeys for all road users.
If you don’t have the traffic control equipment you need to be prepared for any emergency, check out our extensive inventory or contact us at TrafficConesforLess. We offer the highest quality safety equipment and the industry’s most reasonable pricing. Not sure what you need? Call us at 888-388-0180