![](https://toolkit.irap.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Rectangle-6612.png)
![bike bike](https://toolkit.irap.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/bike-pddbssjkumawvux2dcr2ftmtjpfdhyknhink2oyl8g.png)
![accident accident](https://toolkit.irap.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/accident-pddbsrlqns9mk8yfiucfvbvcybk0a9gx5e02lezzeo.png)
![road road](https://toolkit.irap.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/road-pddbssjkumawvux2dcr2ftmtjpfdhyknhink2oyl8g.png)
![warning sign warning sign](https://toolkit.irap.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/warning-sign-pddbsthf1gc77gvp7v5p0bea53aqpnodtnb1jyx728.png)
![person person](https://toolkit.irap.org/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/person-pddbssjkumawvux2dcr2ftmtjpfdhyknhink2oyl8g.png)
Intersection - Delineation
Clear delineation is required at intersections to inform road users that there is an intersection present and to provide information about the types of manoeuvres that may occur.
In the worst case situation, road users may not realise that an intersection is present, and collide with other vehicles or road users, often at high speeds. Poor delineation may also result in late braking behaviour by road users who are required to stop, or wish to make turns. Improvements to intersection delineation can be made by making adjustments to, or installing new traffic islands, street lighting, linemarking and signs.
Linemarking deficiencies (such as unclear approach lane lines, and faded or missing Stop or Give Way markings) are easily and cheaply treated. Warning signs can be used to give drivers advance notice of an upcoming intersection. They are also cheap to install and particularly useful where the intersection is sub-standard. Median islands (or splitter islands) can be used on the approaches to intersections to improve the prominence of intersections (including by the provision of additional signs on median islands), and provide an additional benefit as they channelise traffic and may provide pedestrian protection if designed well. Improving street lighting at such locations should be also considered.
Delineation is important at critical locations such as the tip of traffic islands and gore areas. In addition to line markings, treatments include painting of kerbs, marker signs, and delineator posts. It is desirable to maximise the colour contrast between road surface and traffic islands. A possibility is to adopt a concrete surface of light colour for roads on asphalt.
- Reduction in intersection crashes.
- Reductions in speed.
- Awareness of the intersection is increased.
- Vehicles are directed to a clearer path through the intersection.
- Median islands (if used) can create a refuge for pedestrians crossing the road, thus reducing the likelihood of pedestrian/vehicle crashes
- Old linemarking should be properly removed (eg. by grinding) or it may remain visible and confuse drivers.
- Warning signs should be placed at sufficient distance from the intersection to ensure drivers have enough time to take necessary action (e.g. to slow down).
- Warning signs and median islands should not be located or designed in such a way as to be hazards.
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
Related Images
- A right turn lane at a 3-leg unsignalised intersection. Image credit: Steve Lawson
- A 4-leg intersection with poor delineation. Image credit: AusRAP
- An intersection with poor line marking in China. Image credit: iRAP
- Poor placement of sign at a signalised intersection obstructing the traffic sign, UK. Image credit: Unknown
- 3-leg intersection with pedestrian facilities. Image credit: Kerala State Transport Project
- Poor quality delineation at intersection. Likelihood of intersection crash is high at such intersections. Image credit: NACU
- Pedestrian refuges, bicycle lanes, delineation and one-way road treatment. Image credit: Google Maps
- Physical channelisation (and planting) under the flyover to provide a safe refuge for pedestrians to cross the road in two stages. Image credit: Gladys Frame
- An upgraded intersection with protected turn lane, involving horizontal and vertical realignment. Image credit: ARRB Group
- Bicyclists in an intersection with poor delineation in Tianjin, China. Image Credit: Greg Smith
![NTRO-ARRB logo](https://toolkit.irap.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/NTRO-ARRB-logo-scaled.jpg)
![FIAF](https://toolkit.irap.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/FIAF.jpg)
![GRSF](https://toolkit.irap.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/GRSF.jpg)
![world-bank-group-logo](https://toolkit.irap.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/world-bank-group-logo.png)
![bloomberg-philanthropies](https://toolkit.irap.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/bloomberg-philanthropies.png)
![GTKP](https://toolkit.irap.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/GTKP.jpg)
![IRAP](https://toolkit.irap.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IRAP.jpg)
![UK](https://toolkit.irap.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/UK.jpg)