Tag:barrier=block

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Public-images-osm logo.svg barrier = block
Roadblock in Palestine.jpg
Description
One or more large immobile block(s) usually barring free access along a way. Show/edit corresponding data item.
Rendering in OSM Carto
Barrier.svg
Group: barriers
Used on these elements
may be used on nodesmay be used on waysshould not be used on areasshould not be used on relations (except multipolygon relations)
Useful combination
Status: approvedPage for proposal

Any large, solid, immobile block that can be moved only with heavy machinery or great effort. They are typically placed by humans for stopping larger vehicles – but they can also be placed by natual processes. They are usually concrete structures, natural stone boulders or rocks, but also other objects like metal cubes are possible.

How to tag

Case where natural boulder qualifies for barrier=block

Start by placing a tag

barrier=block

on a node that's part of an existing way to indicate where the barrier is. No need to tag each block of a group if they're closely spaced. It's a good idea to also state which kinds of traffic are allowed to pass, and which are not, for example

access=permissive + motor_vehicle=no or

maxwidth:physical=1.9 (or maxwidth=1.9, if you don't want to distinguish between legal and physical restrictions). Using maxwidth:physical was discussed in the Community Forum in August 2024 with the main comment being "maxwidth:physical means you only tag the widest width".

The tag barrier=block is not only used for barriers, but also for fixing guys of masts, bridges, etc.


See also

  • barrier=bollard - has a similar function but is much smaller and may be bendable, foldable etc.
  • barrier=planter - boxes and other structures, which typically contain plants for decoration and act as a barrier
  • natural=stone - natural boulder or rock fragment that is not attached to the underlying terrain.
  • natural=rock - notable rock feature or small group of rocks, attached to the underlying bedrock
  • man_made=guy
  • amenity=bench with bench:type=block for massive blocks that serve as a bench or are suitable for sitting