Five Solutions for Road User and Construction Crew Work Zone Safety
Roadway construction zones can be challenging to navigate, posing risks to drivers, pedestrians, and workers alike. In 2021, 954 people were killed, and 42,151 were injured in U.S. work zone crashes, as reported by the National Safety Council. Temporary traffic control solutions play a crucial role in mitigating these risks by providing clear guidance and ensuring a smooth flow of travel.
In this overview, we’ll explore various types of equipment designed to enhance road safety in construction zones. From vehicle and pedestrian barricades to channelizer drums and delineators, let’s delve into the differences and applications of each traffic safety solution.
1. Traffic and Pedestrian Barricades
Traffic barricades are fundamental components of construction zone safety, helping delineate work areas, preventing unauthorized access, and protecting both workers and passersby.
Available as Type I, II, and III traffic barricades, they may look similar but are easily distinguished by size and the number of rails:
- Type 1 barricades, such as A-frame or folding models, are built with a single reflective rail, ensuring a cost-effective, lightweight, and portable option suitable for small-scale uses like light traffic safety functions in parking lots or demarcating small street repairs.
- Type 2 barricades feature two rails and function as an intermediary traffic solution, offering better visibility than smaller Type I units. They are a popular choice for municipal work zones or limiting foot traffic through job sites.
- Type 3 barricades are the largest option for crowd control purposes or high-traffic areas, including road closures. Three reflective rails ensure that Type III traffic barricades are easy to see even in low-light scenarios. With robust metal or plastic uprights and bases, these barricades come in widths of up to 12 feet.
Lastly, pedestrian barricades help create safe pathways at large public gatherings and events or around work sites. Acting as temporary walls, individual panels connect together to create the necessary barrier length. They are available with or without reflective sheeting and different leg styles to meet American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance for sight-impaired pedestrians.
2. Water-Filled Barriers
A robust solution for temporary traffic control purposes, water-filled barriers offer the equivalent stopping power of permanent concrete jersey barriers but are more forgiving in the event of a crash. In addition to being sturdy, water-filled barriers have the added benefit of being easy to transport and set up. Interlocking panels enable convenient customization of length based on the specific needs of the construction site. They come with options for internal steel cables as well as fencing and gates for secure barrier installations.
3. Channelizer Drums
Also known as traffic drums or barrels, channelizer drums are cylindrical devices that guide traffic flow and mark lane boundaries. Their distinctive shape and reflective markings make them highly visible, and they are commonly used in construction zones, lane closures, and traffic diversions. Quality channelizer drums are sturdy, impact-resistant, and can withstand various weather conditions.
4. Traffic Delineators, Cones, and Vertical Panels
The MUTCD describes these traffic control solutions as beneficial for locations, including lane-reduction transitions and curves, where the alignment might be confusing or unexpected. Similar to Type 1 barricades, their narrow and portable size ensures they can be strategically placed to guide vehicles and signal changes in road conditions. Some traffic cones and delineators are even compatible with optional rails and signage, making them extremely versatile in uses.
5. Reflective Sheeting and Barricade Lights
Reflective sheeting enhances the visibility of traffic safety equipment, especially during low-light conditions. Sheeting is available in three reflectivity grades, offering cost-efficient solutions specific to unique equipment applications.
Similarly, LED barricade lights provide long-lasting illumination during nighttime operations. These energy-efficient and weather-proof units are easy to attach and compatible with most traffic control equipment.
Traffic Safety Equipment Regulatory and Testing Bodies
Understanding the regulatory and testing bodies associated with traffic control barricades is essential for ensuring compliance and safety. Here are some common acronyms for key organizations to be aware of:
- MASH (Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware): MASH provides guidelines and standards for evaluating the safety of roadside features, including traffic control devices. Compliance with MASH ensures that barricades meet rigorous safety criteria.
- MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices): MUTCD sets the standards for street and highway traffic control devices in the United States. It establishes uniformity in the design, application, and placement of signs, signals, and barricades, promoting safe and efficient traffic flow.
- NCHRP (National Cooperative Highway Research Program): NCHRP conducts research to address challenges in highway engineering and safety. It produces valuable guidelines and recommendations that influence the development of traffic control devices.
- NTPEP (National Transportation Product Evaluation Program): NTPEP evaluates the performance and quality of transportation-related products, including traffic control barricades. Compliance with NTPEP standards ensures that barricades meet specific criteria for safety and durability. In May 2023, NTPEP rebranded to AASHTO Product Evaluation & Audit Solutions.
In 2016, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)’s MASH replaced the NCHRP-350. From December 2019, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requested that all highway safety hardware be crash-tested to MASH’s 2016 edition.
AbsorbentsOnline can help you keep road users safe
Ensuring the safety of construction zones requires a thoughtful approach to temporary traffic control. By investing in high-quality road safety equipment, construction companies can create safer environments for everyone involved.
If you’re in need of top-notch temporary traffic safety supplies, visit absorbentsonline.com. Our wide range of traffic control equipment is designed to meet the highest standards, ensuring that your construction sites are safe and compliant. We also offer outdoor anti-fatigue mats for road crew flaggers, rumble strips, roadside weed mats, and more!