Object Markers
An Object Marker is a special-use warning sign that “marks” an obstruction in the road (Type 1), near the road (Type 2), or in/near the road (Type 3). A Type 4 Object Marker “marks” the end of a roadway.
About Object Markers
What are Object Markers?
Object Markers are warning signs that “mark” obstructions in or near the road, as well as mark the end of a road. Obstructions that are located on or near roadways are marked with yellow or yellow/black Object Markers, while Object Markers that mark the end of a roadway are red or red/black.
Who uses Object Markers?
Municipalities and highway contractors use Object Markers to mark obstructions in urban and rural areas. Private landowners may place several Object Markers to highlight the perimeter of their property.
What other traffic signs are used with Object Markers?
Object Markers are typically used as standalone traffic devices. Occasionally, the R4-7 Divided Highway Sign is used together with the OM1 series of Object Markers.
What modifications are available?
In the past, we have manufactured OM1-2 and OM4-2 Object Markers where full-cube prismatic sheeting takes the place of the yellow and red acrylic reflectors. This modification makes Object Markers compliant with certain local jurisdiction requirements.
How are object markers named?
Each sign has a unique SKU that starts with the letters "OM," which stands for "Object Marker," and is followed by a single number from 1 to 4, defining one of the four main types it belongs to. For example, the OM1-3 would be a Type 1 sign, while the OM4-1 would be a Type 4 sign. The final number after the dash in the SKU distinguishes one sign from another.
Selecting & Mounting Object Markers
What Object Marker Type do I need?
The MUTCD provides basic guidance on what Type of Object Marker to use. For Type 1, Type 2, and Type 4 Object Markers, which style Object Marker to use is left to state and local jurisdiction preference.
Type 3 Object Markers have three similar but distinct uses based on the direction of the sloping lines (2C.71, 04).
What is the mounting height for Object Markers?
In most cases, Object Markers have a mounting height of 4 ft. or more onto obstructions (2C.70, 04, 05). However, MUTCD guidance does acknowledge that the mounting height may vary depending on the height of the obstruction (2C.70, 07).
What mounts are commonly used with Object Markers?
Object Markers are generally installed directly onto the obstruction. However, at the end of a roadway, Type 4 Object Markers are often mounted onto Type 3 Barricades with red and white stripes.
What are the reflectivity and material options available?
Object Markers are generally made with .080 inch aluminum that has pre drilled holes at the top and bottom for easy mounting. High Intensity Prismatic and Ultra Prismatic at the two most common reflective materials.
Common Terms and Description List.
- In-road obstruction
- Modifies the established traffic flow.
Example: Medians on local roads and highways - Roadside obstruction
- Not directly in the roadway, but still may pose a hazard.
Example: Utility poles, piers, bridge underpasses (Section 2C.72, 01) - Roadside conditions
- Object Markers are also used when roadside conditions “might make it undesirable for a road user to leave the roadway” (2C.72, 01).
Example: Narrow shoulders, drop-offs, significant changes in roadway alignment (2C.72, 01)
Object Marker Product Specifications
- Type 1
Diamond-shaped signs that measure a minimum of 18” on one side- OM1-1 – yellow diamond-shaped sign with 9 round, yellow reflectors
- OM1-2 – black diamond-shaped sign with 9 round, yellow reflectors
- OM1-3 – all-yellow retroreflective sign
- Type 2
Vertical/horizontal rectangular signs that measure a minimum of 6”x12”- OM2-1V – white, rectangular sign with 3 round, yellow reflectors, vertical/horizontal
- OM2-2V – all-yellow rectangular sign, vertical/horizontal
- Type 3
Vertical rectangular signs that measure exactly 12”x36”- OM3-L – stripes slope downward to the right
- OM3-C – from the center, stripes slope downward to the right and downward to the left
- OM3-R – stripes slope downward to the left
- Type 4
Diamond-shaped signs that measure a minimum of 18” on one side- OM4-1 – red diamond-shaped sign with 9 round, red reflectors
- OM4-2 – black diamond-shaped sign with 9 round, red reflectors
- OM4-3 – all-red retroreflective sign
More Information
Where can I find more information about Object Markers
Chapter 2C in Part 2 of the MUTCD contains more information about Object Markers.
- 2C.70 – Object Marker Design and Placement Height
- 2C.71 – Object Markers for Obstructions within the Roadway
- 2C.72 – Object Markers for Obstructions Adjacent to the Roadway
- 2C.73 – Object Markers for Ends of Roadways
Catalog Page 25
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