TD 26/04
Inspection & Maintenance of Roadstuds
TD26/04 was published in August 2004 and is an official standard applicable to the inspection and maintenance of roadstuds on motorways and all purpose trunk roads. TD26/04 supersedes TD26/86.
The requirements of this standard relate to reflective permanent roadstuds of all types currently and subsequently used by the relevant authority.
This standard supports the maintenance of roadstuds which, apart from a tactile and audible property, have an important functionality of night time guidance using incorporated reflective elements. As a predominantly raised reflective system, roadstuds are considered extremely beneficial in adverse inclement and night time conditions when the reflective signal of a roadstud is perhaps the only effective guidance.
TD26/04 Chapter 3 sets out the inspection and maintenance requirements and details the frequency of inspections. The purpose of inspection is to identify determination of roadstuds and timing for maintenance intervention. Characteristics of the inspection include:
(a) Wear, corrosion, damage.
(b) Loose or missing roadstuds or part thereof.
(c) Damage to lenses.
(d) Sinkage.
(e) Detritus on lenses.
(f) Integrity generally of roadstuds - both embedded and surface installed.
As a result of inspections, TD26/04 details the period of maintenance necessary to ensure roadstuds are maintained to a consistent and satisfactory level.
TD26/04 is a UK Highways Agency Document. It is part of the Design Manual For Roads and Bridges. Further information can be obtained from the following Documents:
- TSRGD 2002 Traffic Signs Regulations Reference on conformity classes.
- BSEN1463 The European Standard and now the test method towards UK conformity.
- Traffic Signs Manual (TSM) - some guidance on non reflective roadstuds.
TD26/04 is a standard recognised by the Scottish Executive, Welsh Assembly and the Department for Regional Development Northern Ireland.