





Delineation
Road markings are among the most cost-effective treatments to make roads safer. Delineation improvements have been shown to reduce head-on and run-off road crashes. Helps drivers to maintain a safe and consistent lateral vehicle position within the lane. Reduction in night time and low-visibility crashes. Reduction in pavement deterioration due to vehicles driving onto the shoulder.
In many countries linemarking is ignored (and physical barriers to crossing the centre line are needed). Poorly designed or located delineators can add to crash risk. Too many signs can confuse drivers. Road studs require a good quality road surface. Delineation needs to be consistent throughout an entire country. The retro-reflectivity of lines and signs is an important consideration for road use at night and in the wet. The effectiveness of line markings is dependent on the line width and its retroreflectivity.
Treatment Summary
10-25% |
Case Studies
Chevron alignment markers provided to delineate curvature. Image credit: Unknown Advisory speed sign plus curve warning. Image credit: ARRB An example of good delineation with road markings and chevron sign. Image credit: Unknown Chevron alignment markers (CAMs) and hazard markers improve delineation on the bend. Image credit JKR Malaysia Curve on highway delineated with chevron signs - Philippines. Image credit: Alina Burlacu Curve on highway with poor quality curve delineation (Chevron signs /delineator posts are absent) - Tanzania. Image credit: Alina Burlacu Delineation - France. Image credit: Unknown Shoulder rumble strip in China. Image credit: Greg Smith Flexible posts used to improve delineation in Kenya. Image credit: John Mumford Good night-time visibility is provided by the road markings and chevron alignment markers (CAMs). Image credit: Greg Speier Highway with lanemarking and paved shoulders in Tanzania. Image credit: Alina Burlacu Single carriageway highway with poor lane marking - India. Image credit: iRAP Lateral lines at the entrance to a curve, China. Image credit: iRAP Urban road with adequate lanemarking in India. Image credit: iRAP Linemarking in Scotland. Image credit: Unknown Pedestrian refuges, bicycle lanes, delineation and one-way road treatment. Image credit: Google Maps Roadside and median safety barriers on a curve in Australia. Image credit: Greg Smith Speed limit sign in Tanzania. Image credit: Alina Burlacu Wide center line treatment on undivided road in QLD, Australia. Image credit: Ken Thomason







