Traffic Posts & Delineators in Canada
Traffic Posts & Delineators — Types, Bases & Visibility (Canada)
Straight talk: Posts and delineators are about visibility — not strength. Choose the right height, color, and reflectivity for the zone. Impact resistance ≠ rigidity.
1) What are traffic delineator posts used for?
- Guide drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians through lanes or detours.
- Separate traffic flows in parking lots or temporary work zones.
- Highlight hazards, corners, and loading dock edges.
- Support reflective or warning signage when mounted with brackets.
2) Fixed, removable, or portable — what’s best?
Fixed bolt-down: semi-permanent, high-traffic areas; anchored with 3-bolt plate.
Removable socket mount: reusable, for seasonal or maintenance zones.
Portable weighted base: for flexible lanes, events, and short-term jobs. Easy storage, no drilling.
3) Common materials and heights.
| Material | Features | Typical Height |
|---|---|---|
| LDPE/HDPE | Flexible, economical, UV-resistant | 75 – 100 cm |
| PU (polyurethane) | High impact recovery, cold-resistant | 80 – 100 cm |
| Rubber/Composite | Heavy base, low vibration, rugged | 75 – 90 cm |
4) Reflective bands and color meaning.
- Standard — Orange body + White bands for road construction.
- Parking — Black or yellow body + White bands for lot separation.
- Warehouse — Yellow/black body + Silver bands for forklifts.
- Always use EN 12899 / ASTM D4956 compliant reflective tape.
5) Base options: bolt-down, weighted, or socket?
- Bolt-down base: permanent traffic islands, medians.
- Weighted rubber base: portable & quick-deploy; common for cones/delineators.
- Socket system: removable in seconds — ideal for seasonal snow areas.
6) Installation & spacing rules (EN/FR).
- Typical spacing: 3–5 m in straight runs; closer on curves.
- Torque bolts securely and ensure reflectors face traffic flow.
- FR/EN: Espacement recommandé : 3 à 5 m / Recommended spacing 3–5 m apart.
7) Impact recovery & temperature ratings.
- Flexible PU posts rebound 100 × impacts to −20 °C.
- Use cold-rated rubber bases in winter; avoid brittle PVC types.
- Inspect after snowplow season — replace posts with white stress marks.
8) Maintenance & replacement checklist.
- Monthly: inspect reflective bands, base cracks, missing bolts.
- Replace faded or damaged bands immediately for night safety.
- Clean using mild detergent; avoid solvents that dull reflectivity.
9) When to use posts vs bollards vs cones.
- Posts: medium-term lane separation or pedestrian control.
- Bollards: impact protection — stiffer, sometimes steel-reinforced.
- Cones: short-term, portable, lightweight marking.
10) Recommended bundles & accessories.
Important Legal/Compliance Note (Canada)
This page is informational and not legal advice. Delineators and posts on public or private roads must comply with provincial Traffic Control Device Manuals, Highway Traffic Acts, and any municipal by-laws. For workplace use, Occupational Health & Safety regulations apply. Where a code or standard defines color, spacing, or reflective performance, that document prevails. Always confirm with your authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).