Classification of Road Markings

Civil Engineering Tech.July 11, 2024

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Classification of Road Markings

What is The Road Marking?

Road markings serve the fundamental role of directing and managing traffic flow on a roadway, complementing the role of traffic signs. Classification of Road Markings.

Classification of Road Markings

The markings act as a psychological barrier and indicate the demarcation of the traffic path and its lateral clearance from traffic hazards to facilitate the safe movement of traffic. Therefore, they are crucial in ensuring the safe, efficient, and orderly flow of traffic.

Classification of the Road Markings

Road markings refer to lines, patterns, words, or other devices, excluding signs, that are placed on or attached to the road surface or curbs, or on objects near the road, to control, warn, guide, and inform users. These markings are categorized as longitudinal, transverse, object markings, and more.

(1) – Longitudinal Road Markings

Longitudinal markings are positioned in the direction of traffic on the road surface to signal to the driver their correct position on the road.

Center line ,Marking

Various kinds of longitudinal markings include center lines, traffic lanes, no passing zones, warning lines, border or edge lines, bus lane markings, and cycle lane markings.

(a) Centerline

The centerline divides the two directions of traffic flow and aids in their navigation. Typically, roads with a width of less than 5 m and those with more than four lanes do not have a center line. A center line can be indicated by a single broken line, single solid line, double broken line, or double solid line, based on the specific road & traffic needs.

(b) Traffic lane lines

Dividing wide carriageways into separate lanes on each side assists drivers in maintaining a straight path and reduces the likelihood of drifting. At junctions, these lane markings prevent confusion and aid in making turns. Consequently, traffic lane delineations contribute to enhancing road capacity and promoting safety.

(c) No. Passing Zones

No overtaking is allowed on summit curves, horizontal curves, and on two-lane and three-lane highways where sight distance is limited. This is indicated by a solid yellow line along the center or a double yellow line.

(d) Warning lines

Warning lines are designed to alert drivers to approaching obstructions. They are placed on the horizontal and vertical curves where visibility exceeds the specified criteria for no-overtaking zones. These lines consist of broken segments, each 6 meters in length with a Three – meter gap. The minimum of seven segments should be provided.

(e) Edge lines

The Edge lines delineate the boundaries of rural roads without kerbs, marking the safe limits for drivers. These lines should be positioned a minimum of 150 mm away from the pavement’s edge and are typically painted in yellow or white.

(2) – Transverse Road markings

Transverse markings are applied perpendicular to the flow of traffic. They are typically found at intersections and other key points. Site conditions are a crucial factor in determining the placement of these markings.

The road markings at a specific intersection are determined by various factors, including the speed of traffic, available space, and other variables. Examples of markings found at intersections include stop lines, pedestrian crossing markings, and directional arrows.

(a) Stop line

The stop line serves as a boundary that vehicles must not cross when instructed to stop by traffic signals or law enforcement. It is the typically positioned parallel to the intersecting road or perpendicular to the flow of the traffic.

(b) Pedestrian Crossings

Pedestrian crossings are strategically placed in areas where there is a high level of conflict between vehicles and pedestrians. The location should be chosen in a way that minimizes inconvenience for pedestrians while also ensuring minimal disruption to vehicular traffic.

(c) Directional Arrows

Furthermore, directional arrows must be employed to direct drivers in advance to the appropriate lane when approaching congested intersections, in addition to the warning lines on approaching lanes.

(d) Object Marking

Physical obstacles on a roadway such as traffic islands or obstacles close to the roadway like signal posts, piers, etc. pose a significant danger to the traffic flow and must be properly indicated. They can be marked on the structures next to the roadway.