Types of Traffic Barriers by Category
Despite the efforts of professional traffic signers to ensure that every vehicle passes through the construction zone safely, there is always the possibility that drivers will ignore warnings. Because of this, strong barriers must be put in place to stop the impact of the accident and keep the workers behind it safe. However, traffic barricades come in several different forms - and it's often difficult for beginners in the industry to understand the difference. These are the types of traffic barricades by category and each of their main functions.
Standard Traffic Barrier
The most common types of traffic barriers include Types I, II, and III. These are typically used to block a section of road or sidewalk that blocks vehicular or foot traffic. It's important to note, however, that all three types are still easy to carry when necessary, making them a makeshift replacement for larger, heavier models. Here is additional information for each type:
Type I roadblock
The Type I barricade folds open with a reflector on top. The panels alternate with orange and white stripes to effectively stand out from the surrounding terrain. Type I barricades may not look solid, but are actually a safety feature, designed to allow them to collapse on impact to prevent collisions with passersby.
Type II roadblock
Type II barricades can also be folded open so they can stand on their own and folded accordingly to cushion shocks. However, unlike the Type I, they have two reflectors to increase their striking range. This increased reflectivity often comes in handy when working on darker roads or at night.
Type III roadblock
On the other hand, Type III barricades are slightly different from the other two. Instead of folding open, they are designed to be long and sturdy for easy driveway or full road closure. They have three reflectors and can also include a sign to aid in the direction of traffic.
Type A roadblock
A-type barricades consist of a pair of A-legs and a long reflective barricade. They usually specify a safe working distance from ongoing construction work. However, the products themselves are not particularly strong to withstand the forces of a crash.
jersey handicap
Another common type of traffic roadblock is often referred to as a Jersey roadblock. These wall-like structures are made of rigid plastic or concrete and can be placed by road crews at the very edges of work areas. They can help indicate the correct driving path, or simply act as a shield for red drivers. Either way, they're pretty strong and resist bumps when properly pressed down.
For more information on how to effectively use traffic barriers in your work area, please contact the Traffic Safety District. We tested each model for durability, and each model is compatible with other accessories like traffic barricade flashes to ensure optimal performance.