Central Hatching - Wide Centrelines
Central hatching (painted medians) and wide centrelines increase the separation between traffic travelling in opposite directions on undivided roads. This reduces the risk of head-on crashes. In addition, central hatching can be used to narrow wide lanes and therefore encourage lower speeds.
Central hatching may be used in both rural and urban areas. In urban areas, it provides some protection to pedestrians crossing the road, and may be coupled with pedestrian crossing facilities, such as refuge islands to provide added security.
If the hatching is wide enough, it can contain a turn lane. Where road rules permit driving on painted hatching, it is often used as an informal turn lane.
In rural areas central hatching and wide centrelines can be used with rumble strips or pavement markers to alert drivers when they are leaving their lane.
Central hatching and wide centrelines can be installed over a continuous length of road or at specific points – for example, curves and crests in the road.
- Fewer head-on and overtaking crashes.
- Can remove turning vehicles from through traffic lanes, resulting in fewer rear-end and turning crashes and improved traffic flow.
- Improved delineation.
- Some reduction in speeds.
- Possible protection for pedestrians.
- Inexpensive.
- If rumble strips, or other raised pavement devices are also used, the risk to motorcycles and pedestrians (trip hazard) must be considered.
- Coloured surfacing may be applied to the hatched area to further enhance the conspicuity of the treatment.
The Star Rating Demonstrator is a freely available tool with the iRAP online software, ViDA. With the Star Rating Demonstrator, it is possible to explore the impact that this Safer Roads Treatment has on risk.
Treatment Summary
Costs | Low |
Treatment life | 1 year - 5 years |
Potential casualty reduction | 10-25% |
Case Studies
