IRC Code 35: Ensuring Safety at Intersections with Transverse Road Markings

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Intersection safety is a vital aspect of road design and traffic management. Among the key elements that enhance this safety are transverse road markings, a critical subset of road markings defined and standardized under IRC Code 35-2015 by the Indian Roads Congress. These markings guide, control, and warn road users, helping reduce conflicts and promote orderly traffic movement at junctions and crossings.

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In this blog, we explore transverse road markings as per IRC Code 35, their types, applications, design principles, and role in enhancing road safety—especially at intersections.

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What Are Transverse Road Markings?

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Transverse road markings are lines painted across the direction of vehicle travel, primarily intended to control traffic at intersections, junctions, and crossings. According to IRC:35-2015, they include:

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• Stop Lines
• Give Way (Yield) Lines
• Pedestrian Crossings
• Thermoplastic Bars for Speed Calming

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These markings are vital for imposing control measures such as “Stop” or “Yield” and for guiding vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.

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Importance of Transverse Markings at Intersections

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Transverse markings serve as visual signals to inform drivers of critical decision points ahead. At intersections—where the risk of accidents is highest—they:

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• Indicate mandatory stopping or yielding

• Enhance pedestrian safety

• Clarify vehicle priority

• Warn of merging or diverging traffic

• Support the effectiveness of road signs

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They function in synergy with vertical signs and traffic signals to ensure smooth and safe vehicular and pedestrian movement.

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Types of Transverse Markings Under IRC Code 35

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1. Stop Lines (TM01)

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As per Section 6.1 of IRC:35-2015:

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• A solid white line across the carriageway.

• Installed at signalized intersections, stop-controlled junctions, and pedestrian crossings.

• Must be placed at least 1.5 m ahead of the nearest edge of the crosswalk or intersection to ensure visibility and reaction time.

• Should be 150 mm thick for better visibility, especially in urban areas.

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2. Give Way Lines (TM02, TM03)

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According to Section 6.2:

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• Made of broken lines, typically with 450 mm long segments and 150 mm gaps.

• Positioned at unsignalized intersections to caution drivers to yield to major road traffic.

• Often used in conjunction with triangular Give Way signs painted on the carriageway.

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3. Pedestrian Crossings (BM01)

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Covered under Section 11.3:

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• Marked as zebra patterns using white rectangular blocks.

• Recommended width: 2.5 m to 4 m, depending on traffic volume.

• Installed at mid-block locations, intersections, schools, and bus stops.

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4. Thermoplastic Bar Markings

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Per Section 11.2:

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• Used as speed calming devices on approaches to intersections.

• Installed as parallel transverse bars, typically 150 mm wide, spaced at 500 mm intervals.

• They generate auditory and vibrational feedback to alert drivers.

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Material Specifications

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IRC Code 35 recommends the use of durable and high-visibility materials for transverse markings, such as:

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• Thermoplastic paint (hot-applied)

• Cold-applied plastics

• Preformed adhesive tapes (for high-traffic urban areas)

• Use of glass beads is encouraged to enhance retro-reflectivity, especially during night or wet weather conditions.

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Design and Placement Guidelines

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The code emphasizes precise placement based on intersection geometry:

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• Stop lines should be placed to ensure a clear view of cross-traffic.

• Give Way lines must be supplemented by advance warning signs.

• For complex junctions (e.g., ghost islands or staggered intersections), transverse markings should be tailored to guide lane discipline.

• In roundabouts, transverse lines are used to define yield points at entries.

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Maintenance and Performance Monitoring

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Section 15 and 16 of IRC:35-2015 underline:

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• Periodic retro-reflectivity testing

• Monitoring durability and skid resistance

• Ensuring uniformity across the network

• Repainting or replacement as per wear-and-tear metrics

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Well-maintained transverse markings contribute significantly to accident reduction and traffic flow efficiency.

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Common Locations Where Transverse Markings Are Essential

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• Urban signalized intersections

• Rural T-junctions and staggered crossings

• Pedestrian-dense areas like schools or markets

• Merging zones in roundabouts

• Speed-sensitive zones before crossings

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Integration with Road Studs and Signs

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For enhanced guidance:

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• Red or white retro-reflective studs are used with stop lines

• Raised pavement markers increase nighttime visibility

• Must be synchronized with vertical signs for consistent messaging

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Conclusion

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Transverse road markings, though often overlooked, are fundamental to intersection safety. Adhering to the IRC Code 35-2015 ensures their design, placement, and maintenance are uniform, effective, and responsive to Indian road conditions. As urbanization accelerates and traffic grows denser, well-implemented transverse markings can save lives by making our intersections more predictable, safer, and efficient.

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