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As hard as professional traffic flaggers work to ensure that every vehicle makes it through a construction zone safely, there’s always a chance that a driver will ignore the warnings. Because of this, it’s essential that sturdy barriers are in place to block the impact of an accident and keep the workers behind it safe. Traffic barricades come in several different forms—and, often, it can be difficult for beginners in the industry to understand the differences between them. These are the traffic barricade types by category and each of their primary functions.
The most common classes of traffic barricades consist of types I, II, and III. These typically function to block off a section of road or walkway from vehicles or foot traffic. However, it’s important to note that all three of these types are still easily portable when necessary, making them a great temporary alternative to larger, heavier models. Here is additional information on each type:
Type I barricades fold open and have a single reflective panel along each top. These panels alternate with orange and white stripes to effectively stand out against the surrounding terrain. Type I barricades are A-Frame barricades. They might not seem overly sturdy, but it’s actually a safety feature that their design allows them to collapse upon impact to prevent collision with a passerby. Most often used for pedestrian traffic control and on low speed roads.
Type II barricades are also A-Frame barricades that fold open so that they can stand independently and fold up accordingly to cushion an impact. However, unlike Type I, they have two reflective panels on each side to increase their range of noticeability. This increased reflectivity often comes in handy when working on darker roadways or at night. Often used for road detours, road closing, and other types of traffic control.
Type III barricades, on the other hand, are slightly different from the other two. Rather than fold open, their design is long and sturdy to facilitate lane or full road closures. They possess three reflective panels and can also include a sign to assist with traffic direction. Type III barricades are typically used for road closings and detours, and come in varying widths to fit your needs.
A-frame barricades consist of a pair of A-shaped legs and at least 1 reflective barricade board. They’re often used to designate safe working distances from ongoing construction work, as well as crowd control. However, these products themselves aren’t particularly strong and will not withstand the force of a collision. A-Frame Barricades are classified as Type I or Type II barricades, as described below.
Another common traffic barricade type is what’s often referred to as a Jersey barrier. These wall-like structures consist of hard plastic or concrete that road crews can position along the very edge of a work zone. They can help to indicate the proper driving path and act as a shield from rouge motorists. They’re incredibly strong and resistant to collisions when weighed down properly with water or sand.
For more information on how you can effectively use your traffic barricades in a work zone, reach out to Traffic Safety Warehouse. Our manufacturing partners test each of our barricade models for MUTCD compliance and durability, and each is compatible with additional accessories like traffic barricade flashing lights to ensure optimal performance.
