VicRoads Guidepost Delineator Specification: Where AS 1906.1 Ends and State Requirements Begin

Key Takeaways

• AS 1906.1 sets performance requirements for retroreflective sheeting used on road signs and related traffic control devices. It does not set guidepost spacing, post height, or post material requirements. 
• AS 1742.2 provides requirements for guidepost and delineator placement and spacing, including provisions for curves and fog-prone areas.
• Victorian road authority requirements add state-specific construction, material and application requirements through applicable DTP and VicRoads documents.
• Victorian council specifications may add project-specific requirements beyond the national standards and road authority documents.
• For procurement, check all applicable documents rather than assuming AS 1906.1 or AS 1742.2 covers the complete guidepost or delineator requirement.

Guidepost and delineator compliance in Victoria is not covered by a single document. A VicRoads guidepost delineator specification typically involves three layers: AS 1906.1 for retroreflective sheeting performance, AS 1742.2 for placement and spacing, and Victorian Road Authority specifications for state-specific requirements.

For councils, contractors and procurement teams, knowing which document governs each part of a guidepost system is essential. Reflective Fabrications supplies retroreflective materials and traffic safety products for Australian road and infrastructure applications, with practical experience in specifying materials for these environments.

The requirements can be confusing. National Standards, VicRoads and DTP documents, council specifications and product requirements each cover different aspects. This guide explains how they fit together, where AS 1906.1 ends, and where Victorian requirements begin.

What Guideposts and Delineators Actually Are

In practical roadworks terminology, a guidepost is the roadside post or marker assembly installed at the road edge to mark alignment, particularly on curves, at culverts and where the road edge may be difficult to see at night.

The term “delineator” commonly refers to the retroreflective element or device fitted to the post, though definitions and product terminology can vary between standards and road authorities, and some specifications use “guidepost” to include both the post and its reflector assembly.

AS 1906.1 addresses the performance of retroreflective sheeting, while AS 1742.2 and road authority specifications address guidepost placement, spacing and construction. Understanding this distinction is useful when interpreting a guidepost delineator specification, even where the terms overlap in practice.

In practical roadworks terminology, a guidepost is the roadside post or marker assembly installed at the road edge to mark alignment, particularly on curves, at culverts and where the road edge may be difficult to see at night.

Layer 1: AS 1906.1 and Retroreflective Sheeting Performance 

AS 1906.1:2017, incorporating Amendment No. 1 (January 2020), sets performance requirements for retroreflective sheeting used on road signs and related traffic control devices, including delineators. It covers retroreflection at specified angles, colour and chromaticity, and weathering durability.

Sheeting is classified by performance using a numeric class system, including Class 100, Class 300, Class 400, Class 900 and Class 1100, which replaced the older Class 1, Class 1W and Class 2 designations. Older drawings or specifications that still reference the superseded class names should be checked against the current classification before ordering.

AS 1906.1 does not specify guidepost location, spacing, post materials or vehicle impact performance. Those requirements are addressed by other standards and road authority specifications. For a closer look at how the old Class 1, Class 1W and Class 2 language maps to the current numeric system, see RF’s guide to AS 1906.1 reflective sheeting classifications. It covers how to update a procurement spec that still references the old class names. 

Layer 2: AS 1742.2 and Guidepost Placement and Spacing 

AS 1742.2:2022, Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices Part 2: Traffic Control Devices for General Use, provides the national framework for the placement of guideposts and delineators, including closer spacing through curves and reduced spacing in fog-prone areas.

On very low-volume roads, guideposts may be omitted on some straight sections but are still required at locations such as crests, bridges, culverts and floodways. AS 1742.2 provides the national framework, while individual road authorities may apply additional or modified requirements through their own specifications. 

Layer 3: Victorian DTP and VicRoads Guidepost Requirements 

This is where Victoria adds state-specific requirements to the two national standards.

VicRoads technical publications are now administered through the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP). Two documents are particularly relevant to guidepost and delineator work: 

Standard Drawing SD 3001: Guide Posts

SD 3001 sets out Victorian guidepost construction requirements, including:

• Dimensions
• Materials
• Installation details

These requirements go beyond what AS 1906.1 and AS 1742.2 cover.

Department of Transport (VIC) Supplement to AS/NZS 1906.1:2017

This supplement adds Victoria-specific requirements for retroreflective sheeting. It includes a mapping table for older sheeting class designations and their current equivalents.

This is particularly useful when older drawings or specifications reference superseded sheeting classes, helping contractors identify the applicable current class.

How the Documents Fit Together

Together, these documents add the Victorian requirements that sit alongside AS 1906.1 and AS 1742.2.

For a VicRoads guidepost delineator specification, check the applicable state drawings, supplements and project requirements rather than relying on the national Standard alone.

How Victorian Council Specifications Add Further Requirements

Victorian councils may issue their own technical specifications for guideposts and delineators and may reference VicRoads or DTP requirements. These specifications can add project-specific requirements beyond the national standards and road authority documents.

• Post-strength, flexibility and impact performance
• Fire retardant or material requirements
• Corrosion and environmental resistance
• Dimensional tolerances for posts and delineators
• Product certification or testing

For tenders and works contracts, the council’s specification is critical because it sets the acceptance requirements for that project. Always check the current council specification alongside AS 1906.1, AS 1742.2 and applicable DTP documents rather than assuming national or state requirements cover everything.

What Changes Outside Victoria? 

The same principle applies outside Victoria: national standards provide the baseline, while each road authority can add its own requirements.

For example:

• Western Australia: Main Roads WA publishes its own guidepost designs and technical requirements.
• South Australia: DIT has separate specifications covering the supply and installation of guideposts and delineators.
• New South Wales: Transport for NSW has additional requirements for approved retroreflective sheeting on its roads.

A product that meets the national Standard may not automatically meet a state’s or road authority’s requirements. Always check the current specification for the project location before ordering or tendering.

Practical Checklist Before a Tender or Works Contract

Before specifying or purchasing guideposts and delineators, check:

• Retroreflective sheeting: Confirm the specified class meets AS 1906.1. If older class designations appear in existing documents, check Victoria’s current class mapping.
• Guidepost spacing: Check AS 1742.2, clause 4.2.4.4, including requirements for curves, fog-prone areas and applicable traffic volumes.
• Guidepost construction: Check the relevant DTP standard drawing for dimensions, materials and installation requirements.
• Council requirements: Check whether the council has additional technical or procurement requirements that apply to the project.
• Interstate projects: Confirm the relevant state or road authority specification rather than assuming Victorian requirements apply.

The safest approach is to verify the current standard, road authority documents and project-specific specifications before ordering or tendering.

Need Help Specifying Reflective Materials? 

Getting the right guidepost or delineator starts with the right specification. Reflective Fabrications manufactures and custom cuts retroreflective sheeting and tape for Australian road and infrastructure applications, helping councils, contractors and traffic control businesses source materials to the required specification.

Need a specific sheeting class, size or cut? Talk to the RF team about your project requirements, and we can help identify a suitable reflective material for the application.

Explore RF’s custom-cut reflective materials or Flexi Sign System to find the right solution for your project.