Sign Posts and Mounting Hardware

Install your traffic signs securely with FHWA Compliant Sign Posts. We stock the industry-standard U-Channel Posts in Green and Galvanized finishes, as well as Square Telescoping Posts and Breakaway Bases. Complete your installation with tamper-proof drive rivets, vandal-resistant bolts, and heavy-duty brackets designed to withstand high wind loads on public roads and private properties.
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Standards for Sign Posts

A traffic sign is only as effective—and legal—as its mounting system. Under MUTCD Section 2A.19, sign supports within the "Clear Zone" of a roadway must be crashworthy to prevent fatal injuries during a vehicle run-off-the-road incident. At TrafficSafetyHQ, we supply NCHRP-350 and MASH-compliant sign posts engineered to yield upon impact.

U-Channel Posts: The Industry Standard

The U-Channel Post is the backbone of American traffic signage.

  • Ribbed Design: Our posts utilize a patented ribbed-back geometry that provides 25% greater yield strength than flat-back posts. This structural advantage allows them to be driven into hard soil without bending.
  • Weight Classes:1.12 lbs/ft: "Light Duty." Suitable for parking lots and small signs (12"x18").2.0 lbs/ft: "Heavy Duty." The municipal standard. Required for Stop Signs, Speed Limits, and larger street blades (30" and up).
  • Finishes: Green Enamel blends with landscapes, while Hot-Dip Galvanized (Silver) offers superior corrosion resistance for coastal or salted roadways.

Square Tube (Telespar) Systems

For multi-sign assemblies or high-versatility needs, Square Perforated Posts are the superior choice.

  • 4-Sided Mounting: Holes on all four sides allow signs to be mounted back-to-back or at 90-degree angles without drilling.
  • Telescoping Base: A smaller post slides into a larger anchor post buried in the ground. If the top post is hit, it can be replaced in minutes without digging up the foundation.

Hardware & Anti-Theft Solutions

Standard bolts are easily removed. For public areas, we recommend Vandal-Resistant Hardware.

  • Drive Rivets: A permanent fastener that is hammered in and cannot be unscrewed.
  • Tufnut Bolts: Specialized nuts that require a unique tool to remove.
  • Nylon Washers: Essential for protecting the reflective sign face from cracking when the bolt is tightened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions regarding MUTCD compliance, installation standards, and material specifications for regulatory signage.
How deep should I bury a sign post?

Stability depends on embedment depth. For a standard 10-foot or 12-foot post, the industry rule is to bury 3 to 3.5 feet of the post in the ground. This leaves 7 to 9 feet of clearance for the sign. In loose or sandy soil, you may need to add a concrete footing or use a soil stabilization plate.
What length post do I need for a Stop Sign?

To meet the 7-foot urban clearance requirement:

  • Calculation: 3.5' (Burial) + 7' (Clearance) + 2.5' (Sign Height) = 13 ft Total.
  • Recommendation: Use a 12-foot post (yielding slightly less clearance) or a 10-foot post with a base extension. For rural areas with a 5-foot clearance, a 10-foot post is perfect.
Can I install U-Channel posts in concrete?

Yes, but you cannot drive them directly into cured concrete. You must either core-drill a hole and grout the post in, or use a Surface Mount Base (a steel plate with a stub) bolted to the concrete, which allows the U-Channel post to be bolted onto the stub.

Need specific code assistance?

If your project requires a specific State DOT certification or a specialized variation not listed here, please contact our Compliance Support Team for a custom specification sheet.