Enhancing Road Safety with IRC Code 79: Types, Designs, and Uses of Road Delineators

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Road safety is a top priority in infrastructure planning, and one critical yet often overlooked component is the use of road delineators. As per IRC Code 79:2019, road delineators play a pivotal role in enhancing visibility, especially in low-light and adverse weather conditions. This blog explores the types, design standards, and installation guidelines outlined in IRC:79-2019 to ensure their effective implementation for safer roads.

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What is IRC Code 79?

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IRC:79-2019 is the revised guideline by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC), titled "Recommended Practice for Road Delineators". It outlines the specifications and applications of various types of delineators used across national and state highways, rural roads, and urban street networks. The first edition was published in 1981, with its latest revision in 2019 to accommodate modern road engineering needs.

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Importance of Road Delineators in Road Safety

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Delineators are retro-reflective devices used to visually guide drivers along the roadway. Their main objectives include:

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• Enhancing driver perception of road alignment.

• Providing visual cues during nighttime driving.

• Assisting navigation in complex or curved road segments.

• Improving visibility during adverse weather like fog or heavy rain.

• Marking medians, obstructions, or hazardous zones.

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By clearly outlining the edges and directions of roads, delineators reduce accident risk, especially in areas prone to geometric changes or poor visibility.

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Types of Road Delineators as per IRC Code 79

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1. Roadway Indicators

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These are commonly used on the side of the carriageway to indicate road alignment. There are two main types:

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a. Post Delineators

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• Installed at the road edge, spaced 50–100 m apart.

• Should have retro-reflective strips (white or red).

• Installed vertically with a height of 1.2 meters above the road surface.

• Spacing may be reduced in curves or dangerous segments.

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b. Raised Pavement Markers (RPMs)

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• Also called "cat’s eyes".

• Installed on road surfaces, especially at lane boundaries or edge line.

• Offer strong retro-reflection at night.

• Various colors: white (lane), red (shoulders), amber (medians).

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2. Median Markers

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• Installed on the right edge of medians or channelizers.

• Help in demarcating medians to prevent side collisions.

• Retro-reflective yellow or red color depending on traffic direction.

• Important in night-time driving conditions.

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3. Hazard Markers

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Used at locations with significant risk of collision, such as sharp curves, T-intersections, or road narrowing.

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• Single Chevron Marker: One reflective panel indicating minor hazards.

• Double Chevron Marker: For sharp curves or diverging alignments.

• Mounted on metallic or plastic posts at least 1.2 m above ground level.

• Retro-reflective strips in diagonal yellow and black pattern.

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4. Object Markers

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These warn drivers about physical obstructions on or near the carriageway.

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• Type 1: Single object marker for small roadside obstructions.

• Type 2: Double object marker for larger or centered obstructions.

• Type 3: Multi-panel systems for wide obstructions like culverts or bridge piers.

• Usually consist of red/white reflective panels with vertical or diagonal patterns.

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Design and Material Specifications

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The IRC recommends that delineators should be:

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• Made of non-corrosive, weather-resistant materials like HDPE or FRP.

• Have high-intensity retro-reflective sheeting conforming to ASTM or equivalent standards.

• Installed firmly to withstand wind, impact, and temperature fluctuations.

• Color-coded as per traffic direction (white, red, amber, yellow).

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Installation Guidelines (IRC:79-2019)

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• Must be placed vertically upright, facing the approaching traffic.

• Should be spaced based on the geometry — closer for sharp curves or dangerous spots.

• Height above ground should be consistent: 1.2 m for post-type, 0.1–0.2 m for RPMs.

• Installed with proper anchorage to avoid dislodgement due to vehicles or weather.

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Maintenance Requirements

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To ensure performance, periodic inspection and maintenance are essential:

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• Clean retro-reflective surfaces regularly.

• Replace faded or damaged delineators.

• Reinstall misaligned or uprooted units.

• Conduct audits especially post-monsoon or post-construction.

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Where Are Road Delineators Used?

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According to IRC:79-2019, delineators are used across:

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• Highways and expressways

• Rural and urban roads

• Tunnels and underpasses

• Sharp curves and steep gradients

• Road construction and maintenance zones

• Bridge approaches, culverts, and barriers

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Benefits of Adhering to IRC Code 79 Standards

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• Improved night-time navigation

• Minimized head-on and side-swipe collisions

• Effective channelization of traffic

• Enhanced road aesthetics and uniformity

• Lower maintenance costs through durable materials

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Conclusion

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Delineators are a simple yet powerful tool in ensuring road safety. The IRC Code 79:2019 offers a comprehensive guide to their correct design, installation, and use. By following these standards, highway engineers and planners can significantly reduce accidents and improve roadway visibility, especially in complex or high-risk areas.

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FAQs

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Q1. What are road delineators?

‍Road delineators are safety devices used to guide vehicles and improve night-time visibility.

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Q2. What does IRC Code 79 cover?

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IRC Code 79 details the standards, spacing, and materials for delineators.

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Q3. How do delineators enhance road safety?

‍They help drivers maintain lane discipline, especially in adverse weather.

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