Types of Barricades- Steel, Plastic, Water-Filled & More

Barricades play a crucial role in ensuring safety in various environments, whether it’s on construction sites, during roadwork, or at public events. These traffic safety devices are designed to protect workers, drivers, pedestrians, and event attendees from potential hazards. Depending on the specific application, different barricade types are used to meet the needs of various scenarios, such as work zones, crowd control, and road closures. Let us explore the various types of barricades commonly used, their purposes, and how they contribute to maintaining safety in both traffic management and event crowd control.

What Are Barricades?

A barricade is a structure that temporarily prevents or restricts access to a particular area. Barricades are designed to provide traffic safety by directing the flow of people and vehicles, especially in construction zones, road closures, or crowded events. According to the MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards, barricades are crucial for ensuring the safety of workers and the public. They serve multiple purposes, including-

• Preventing access to hazardous areas
  
• Directing traffic flow
  
• Protecting workers in work zones
  
• Managing crowd control during events

In this article, we’ll cover the various types of barricades, including MUTCD barricades, crowd control barricades, and other traffic safety devices, along with guidance on selecting the right one for your specific needs.

Traffic Barricades

Traffic barricades are primarily used in construction zones, during road closures, and in areas where vehicles need to be diverted for safety reasons. These barricades come in various designs, each suited to specific traffic control needs.

Type I Barricades

A Type I barricade is a traffic safety device that features a single reflective rail, making it suitable for low-speed traffic and sidewalk closures. These barricades are typically used in areas with little to no vehicle movement, such as construction sites, where they provide visibility for drivers to avoid entering the restricted zone. The retroreflective striping helps increase visibility, ensuring the barricade is clearly visible at night or in low-light conditions.

Type II Barricades

A Type II barricade has two reflective rails and is designed for use on higher-speed roads, such as expressways or busy streets. These MUTCD barricades are used where greater visibility is needed for oncoming traffic. The added reflective striping enhances the barricade's ability to capture drivers' attention, thereby improving overall safety and reducing the risk of accidents in areas with higher traffic speeds.

Type III Barricades

A Type III barricade is a three-rail barricade that provides the most visibility and protection among all the MUTCD barricades. This barricade is often used for complete road closures and detours, where vehicles must be directed away from a blocked road. It is typically equipped with retroreflective striping for nighttime visibility and may include mounted “Road Closed” signs. With its sturdy construction and visibility, the Type III barricade is a key component in maintaining safety during significant traffic disruptions.

Jersey Barriers

Jersey barriers are concrete barriers designed to separate lanes of traffic or prevent vehicles from entering certain areas. These barriers are highly effective for positive protection, meaning they physically prevent cars from moving into restricted zones, such as work zones or hazardous areas. They are often used on highways and construction sites to protect workers from oncoming traffic. Jersey barriers can also be made from plastic, providing a more portable solution for temporary use.

Water-Filled/Sand-Filled Barriers

Water-filled barriers are portable traffic safety devices made from durable plastic. These barriers are filled with water, which makes them heavy enough to stay in place while still being easy to move and deploy when necessary. Water-filled barriers are often used in work zone safety situations or during events that require crowd management. The use of water or sand in these barriers makes them cost-effective and easy to store when not in use.

A-Frame Barricades

The A-frame barricade is a portable barricade that is both lightweight and foldable, making it ideal for quick setups. These barricades typically feature a simple design with retroreflective striping for visibility. Due to their portability and ease of use, A-frame barricades are ideal for temporary roadblocks or traffic diversions, particularly in low-traffic or low-speed zones. They are often used in construction areas or during event crowd management to guide pedestrians or vehicles safely around obstacles.

Crowd Control Barriers

Crowd control barriers are specifically designed to manage the movement of large groups of people. These barriers are used in various event settings, such as concerts, festivals, protests, and sporting events, to ensure the safety and security of both the public and event staff.

Steel Barricades

Steel barricades are linkable, durable barriers made from high-strength steel. These barriers are commonly used at significant events, such as concerts or festivals, where controlling large crowds is crucial. Steel barricades are highly durable and can be connected to form long continuous lines of protection, making them ideal for event crowd management.

Billboard Barriers

Billboard barriers are flat-sided plastic panels that can be used for both advertising and guiding people. These barriers serve a dual purpose by providing crowd control while also offering a surface for advertisements. They are commonly seen at public events where sponsors want to display their logos and messages while also ensuring the safety of attendees.

Partition Fencing

Partition fencing is a type of temporary fencing used to mark off restricted areas, such as backstage zones or VIP sections, at events. This type of barrier is lightweight, easy to set up, and portable, making it ideal for crowd control during events where security or restricted access is a priority.

Other Traffic Control Devices

In addition to traditional barricades, various traffic safety devices are employed in different scenarios to guide traffic and ensure the safety of both pedestrians and drivers.

Vertical Panels

Vertical panels are narrow delineators used to guide vehicles or pedestrians in tight spaces. These panels are often used in areas such as lane reductions, ramps, or narrow construction zones where additional guidance is required. Vertical panels are typically lightweight and easy to set up, providing an efficient way to manage traffic flow in restricted spaces.

Traffic Drums

Traffic drums are tubular, highly visible channelizers used to direct traffic around work zones or other hazards. Their bright colors and large size make them easy to spot from a distance, reducing the risk of accidents. Traffic drums are commonly used on highways and roads during work zone safety measures to ensure that drivers are aware of changes in the roadway.

Traffic Cones

Traffic cones are the most recognizable traffic safety devices. These portable, low-cost markers are commonly used for short-term traffic control in work zones or during events. Traffic cones are highly visible, thanks to their bright orange color and reflective striping, making them effective in guiding traffic and ensuring the safety of work zones.

Bollards

Bollards are permanent posts used for structure protection and access control. These posts are often installed around buildings, parking lots, or restricted zones to prevent vehicles from entering. While bollards are not typically used for temporary traffic control, they are highly effective for securing specific areas, particularly in urban environments.

MUTCD Standards for Barricades

The MUTCD standards provide guidelines for the proper use, placement, and striping of barricades. According to Section 6F.68 of the MUTCD, barricades must be clearly visible and adequately marked to ensure drivers notice them. Retroreflective striping is essential for nighttime visibility, and the placement of barricades must be done in a way that ensures they effectively direct traffic while minimizing the risk of accidents.

Benefits of Using Barricades

Barricades serve as essential tools in managing both traffic and crowd safety, offering a wide range of benefits. These benefits extend to ensuring the protection of workers, pedestrians, and drivers in various environments, including construction sites, roadwork, and public events. Here’s a deeper look at the key advantages of using barricades.

Visibility

Visibility is one of the most critical factors when selecting a barricade. In both daytime and nighttime conditions, clear visibility ensures that both drivers and pedestrians can identify a barricade from a distance, reducing the risk of accidents. Barricades with retroreflective striping are especially valuable as they improve the visibility of the barricades in low-light conditions or at night. This reflective quality significantly improves safety, especially in work zones where vehicles travel at higher speeds. With proper marking, traffic safety devices help guide vehicles away from dangerous areas, allowing drivers to react in time to avoid collisions or injuries. This is especially crucial in high-speed zones, such as expressways, or when workers are operating near active lanes of traffic.

Durability

The durability of a barricade is another crucial aspect, particularly when it is used in harsh environmental conditions or frequently exposed to wear and tear. Barricades such as steel barricades and Jersey barriers are known for their strength and longevity. Steel barriers can withstand rough weather conditions, physical impacts, and even collisions, providing an extremely durable solution for high-traffic areas. Jersey barriers, often made from concrete, are designed to endure the most demanding circumstances, offering reliable protection for both workers and drivers. These concrete barriers are also highly resistant to deformation under pressure, ensuring they maintain their protective function throughout their use. The durability of these barricades reduces maintenance costs and the need for frequent replacements, offering a long-term solution for work zone safety.

Linkability

Linkability refers to the ability of certain barricades to be connected, allowing for continuous lines of protection. This feature is significant when managing long stretches of restricted areas, such as during road closures or around large event crowd management areas. Steel barricades and water-filled barriers are particularly known for their linkable design, allowing for seamless connection to form a continuous, unbroken barrier. This connected system uplifts traffic flow management and crowd control by eliminating gaps that could be exploited for entry or exit. Whether used on construction sites to block off roads or at public events to direct crowds, the ability to link barricades adds an extra layer of flexibility and security, ensuring that the protected area remains secure and easily monitored.

Customization

Barricades can also be customized to meet specific needs, whether for safety, marketing, or identification purposes. For example, billboard barriers offer the unique advantage of being both functional and promotional. These barriers, typically made of durable plastic or metal, feature large, flat surfaces that can display logos, ads, or event information. This dual-purpose functionality makes them ideal for crowd control during significant events, allowing event organizers to promote their sponsors or communicate essential messages while maintaining a secure environment. Customization can also extend to the colors, materials, and signage on the barricades, ensuring that they meet regulatory requirements and align with the overall look and feel of the environment, whether on a construction site or during a festival.

How to Choose the Right Barricade

Choosing the proper barricade for your specific needs is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Several factors need to be considered, including the application, traffic speed, project duration, and whether you are renting or buying the equipment. Below, we highlight the key considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Application

The primary factor when selecting a barricade is its intended application. If you are managing a construction zone or performing roadwork, you will likely need barricades that can withstand high-traffic environments and provide clear warnings to drivers. Type III barricades are ideal for these scenarios, as they are designed for full road closures and are typically equipped with retroreflective striping for high visibility. On the other hand, for crowd control during events, a steel barricade or partition fence may be more appropriate, as these are designed to manage pedestrian flow while also providing security.

Traffic Speed

Another critical factor is the traffic speed at the site. For low-speed areas, such as sidewalk closures or residential streets, Type I or Type II barricades are sufficient. These barricades are less obtrusive yet still offer adequate visibility for drivers to navigate around restricted zones safely. However, for areas with higher traffic speeds or expressways, you will need a Type III barricade or Jersey barriers, which offer more protection and visibility, especially when traffic is moving at speeds over 45 mph.

Project Duration

The duration of your project plays a significant role in choosing the proper barricade. For short-term projects or temporary roadblocks, A-frame barricades, traffic cones, and water-filled barriers are excellent options, as they are easy to set up, move, and store. For long-term or more permanent installations, such as construction zones that require ongoing traffic management, Jersey barriers or steel barricades offer durability and long-lasting protection.

Renting vs. Buying

Ultimately, you should decide whether to rent or purchase your barricades. Renting is a viable option for short-term projects, such as temporary work zone safety measures or event crowd management, as it provides flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Many companies offer rental services for various barricades, including traffic drums, A-frame barricades, and water-filled barriers. However, if you’re managing a long-term project, purchasing steel barricades, Jersey barriers, or other durable options may be a more cost-effective choice over time.

FAQs

1. What Are the Different Types of Barricades?

There are several types of barricades used for traffic control and crowd management, including Type I, Type II, and Type III barricades, as well as Jersey barriers, water-filled barriers, and A-frame barricades.

2. What Is the Difference Between a Type 1 and Type 2 Barricade?

Type I barricades have one rail and are typically used for low-speed or sidewalk closures, whereas Type II barricades have two rails and are used for higher-speed roads, such as expressways.

3. What Is the Most Common Barrier Used?

The most common barricades are traffic cones, traffic drums, Type III barricades for road closures, and Jersey barriers for positive protection.

Wrapping Up

Selecting the appropriate barricade types is crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency, whether you’re managing a construction zone, directing traffic flow, or organizing crowd control at an event. From steel barricades for durable traffic management to water-filled barriers for temporary setups, the options are vast and varied, allowing you to meet your specific needs.

At Epic Crowd Control, we offer a wide range of high-quality barricades and traffic safety devices to ensure your project or event runs smoothly. Whether you need a robust Jersey barrier, a portable A-frame barricade, or a customizable billboard barrier, our products provide the reliability and functionality you need to keep both workers and the public safe. Contact us today to discover our comprehensive range of crowd control solutions and traffic safety devices.