What is the signpost definition?

Whether you type "signpost definition" into Google or you go completely old-school and look up the term in a dictionary, you're going to get the same results. Below are three different, yet very similar, signpost definitions.

• Merriam-Webster: "a post (as at the fork of a road) with signs on it to direct travelers."
• Cambridge Dictionary: "a pole at the side of a road, especially at a point where two or more roads meet, that gives information about routes and distances."
• Oxford Dictionary: "a sign giving information such as the direction and distance to a nearby town, typically found at a road junction."

Where can signposts be found?

Now that we've covered the signpost definition, we can move on and begin to talk about where you might see a signpost and what might be attached to the pole itself.

Signposts are impossible to miss because they are everywhere! You'll find them on every street corner supporting everything from stop signs and street signs to pedestrian crossing warnings and school zones. Chances are you might have even leaned against a signpost while waiting for the bus. You'll find them along the side of highways with rest stop information, local attractions, state and city boarders, and speed limit postings. Signposts can even be in parking lots, marking designated handicap spots or loading/unloading zones. They're everywhere we look and they're constantly providing us with useful information.

Are there different styles of signposts?

We talked about the signpost definition and signpost location. Now we can jump into the different styles of signposts and why we use them. We'll cover three popular styles offered by our Traffic Safety Products division.

• Telespar Square Tubing - this is the most common steel square tubing that is used for a good majority of sign posts you see. It's offered in a variety of sizes and dimensions to meet the needs of any sign post project.
• U-Channel - designed and manufactured by Nucor Marion, U-Channel uses less steel without sacrificing safety. It comes in a variety of sizes and coatings to be used in any signpost situation.
• Fiberglass - fiberglass signposts are lightweight (75% lighter than steel), non-conductive and won't rust. They're easy to cut, easy to drill and easy to install.

How do you install a signpost?

We now know the signpost definition, where to find signposts and what styles are out there. We can now wrap up this introduction into traffic safety by briefly going over a few ways that signposts are installed.

The simplest way to install a signpost would be to drive it directly into the ground. Once it's securely in the ground, any kind of sign can be attached to it. Signposts can also be attached to surface mount bases and then drilled into concrete. This gives the signpost and sign more stability. Finally, signposts can be attached to portable bases. These bases can then be moved around to different locations and are used in places like Parking Lots, construction zones or places where there is temporary parking like concerts or picnics.

Our Traffic Safety Products division is one of the largest distributors of perforated square tubing in the country and Nucor Marion's Master U-Channel Sign Post Distributor in the Northeast region. Our knowledgeable staff can answer all of your signpost questions and is happy to assist with any signpost project you might have.