IRC Code 67: Maintenance of Road Signs – Best Practices and Challenges

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Road signs are the silent guardians of our roadways, guiding and regulating traffic with clarity and uniformity. The IRC Code 67:2012 serves as India's comprehensive guideline for the design, placement, installation, and crucially, the maintenance of road signs. While installation is a one-time task, maintenance is an ongoing responsibility—and often, the most neglected. This blog delves into the best practices and challenges in maintaining road signs as laid down in IRC Code 67.

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Why Road Sign Maintenance Matters

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Well-maintained road signs are critical for:

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• Ensuring driver and pedestrian safety

• Maintaining road discipline and regulation compliance

• Offering timely warnings or directional guidance

• Minimizing accidents caused due to faded or obscured signage

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According to IRC Code 67, uniformity, visibility, and legibility are key attributes that must be retained throughout a sign’s service life. Poorly maintained signs can lead to driver confusion and increase the risk of traffic accidents.

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Key Maintenance Guidelines Under IRC Code 67

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1. Scheduled Inspections

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As per Clause 12.3 of the code, road signs must be inspected at least twice a year, during day and night, and at least once during rainy seasons. This ensures that any wear and tear caused by environmental or human factors is promptly addressed.

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2. Retro-Reflectivity Maintenance

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The IRC mandates using retro-reflective sheeting to improve nighttime visibility. Over time, this sheeting degrades due to weather exposure. Each class of sheeting (Class A, B, and C) comes with a defined warranty period (5, 7, and 10 years respectively). Signs must be replaced or refurbished once their retro-reflective efficiency falls below the acceptable threshold.

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3. Cleaning Frequency

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Signs should be cleaned regularly, especially in areas prone to:

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• Dust accumulation

• Mud splashes

• Algae growth under tree canopies

• Pollution-heavy environments

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Frequent cleaning helps retain legibility and colour contrast, especially for mandatory and cautionary signs.

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4. Maintenance of Supporting Structures

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The IRC requires that posts and mountings be periodically inspected and painted. Posts should be cleaned, repainted every two years, and checked for rust, bending, or vandalism damage.

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5. Avoiding Obstruction

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Signs must be clearly visible and unobstructed. That means keeping weeds, bushes, and other roadside objects trimmed. Visual clearance should be ensured based on the 85th percentile speed visibility distance.

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6. Replacement Criteria

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Signs that are:

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• Faded
• Discoloured (e.g., white appearing grey or red appearing pink)
• Peeling off
• Illegible

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...must be replaced immediately, regardless of their physical condition.

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Best Practices for Effective Maintenance

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✅ Establish a Signage Asset Management System

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Track installation dates, locations, sheeting types, warranty periods, and inspection records. This enables predictive maintenance and timely replacement.

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✅ Use Durable and Weather-Resistant Materials

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High-grade Aluminium Composite Materials (ACM) and micro-prismatic reflective sheeting last longer, especially in areas with high UV exposure or rainfall.

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✅ Implement GPS-Enabled Monitoring

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Modern road maintenance bodies are increasingly using GIS and GPS-based tools to monitor sign locations, automate inspection schedules, and plan maintenance routes.

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✅ Train Maintenance Teams

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Ensure the staff knows the IRC visibility standards, correct cleaning techniques, and safety protocols during maintenance activities.

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✅ Community Reporting Mechanism

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Enable a helpline or app feature for citizens to report damaged or obscured signs. This fosters shared responsibility and quicker maintenance.

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Key Challenges in Road Sign Maintenance

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Despite detailed guidelines, various challenges persist:

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1. Budget Constraints

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Many local and municipal bodies lack dedicated budgets or funding for regular maintenance, leading to delayed replacements.

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2. Vandalism and Theft

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Signs are often defaced, stolen, or damaged due to vandalism. Protective measures such as tamper-proof bolts and community awareness can help.

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3. Environmental Wear and Tear

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Extreme heat, rainfall, or pollution can rapidly degrade materials, requiring more frequent upkeep in some regions.

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4. Lack of Technical Awareness

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Personnel often lack training in understanding retro-reflectivity standards or material grade selection, leading to poor maintenance decisions.

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5. Poor Documentation

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Without a proper database of signage inventory and maintenance records, scheduling replacements becomes inconsistent and reactive rather than preventive.

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Conclusion

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Maintaining road signs is not just about aesthetics—it’s a public safety necessity. The IRC Code 67 provides a comprehensive framework that, if followed rigorously, can greatly reduce accidents and improve road discipline. Government agencies, contractors, and traffic engineers must adopt a proactive, tech-enabled, and budget-supported approach to road sign maintenance.

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RoadVision AI is transforming infrastructure development and maintenance by harnessing AI in roads to enhance safety and streamline road management. Using advanced roads AI technology, the platform enables early detection of potholes, cracks, and surface defects through precise pavement surveys, ensuring timely maintenance and optimal road conditions. Committed to building smarter, safer, and more sustainable roads, RoadVision AI aligns with IRC Codes, empowering engineers and stakeholders with data-driven insights that cut costs, reduce risks, and enhance the overall transportation experience.