Increasing road safety with traffic barriers

Traffic demarcation is a crucial aspect of construction site safety, especially when the site is located near high-traffic zones such as highways. Traffic demarcation comprises the various elements that work together to control the flow of vehicles and pedestrians. Therefore, we take a closer look at the main elements of traffic barriers.

Signage and markings

Clearly visible signs and markings are essential for guiding vehicles and pedestrians safely. This includes road signs, lane markings, and other directional indicators. Adequate use of colors, symbols, and reflective materials ensures visibility during both day and night. Highly visible road barriers are therefore an important part of indicating clear road markings. 

Maintain consistency in the use of symbols and colours to convey specific messages. For example, you could use vibrant red and white road barriers to make it clear that the situation has changed. This colour combination is also easily visible from afar. 

Barriers and cones

Physical road barriers and traffic cones are valuable tools for creating a separation between construction zones and traffic routes. They help guide vehicles along designated paths and create a safer environment for everyone involved.

Temporary traffic control plans

Developing and implementing temporary traffic control plans is a crucial aspect of traffic demarcation. These plans detail the specific measures to be taken to manage traffic safely during construction projects, considering factors such as the project's size, location and duration. The deployment of traffic barriers are therefore an important element to include in the plan.

When building in a high-traffic environment, you are obliged to install proper traffic management to prevent accidents. Highly visible and robust road barriers are needed especially when passengers or vehicles need to follow designated pathways. 

Traffic barriers (also known as road barriers or road safety barriers) are physical barriers that are strategically placed alongside roadways to prevent vehicles from leaving the marked roadway or colliding with obstacles or pedestrians. Traffic barriers thus play an important role in enhancing road safety, addressing various potential hazards.

Traffic channelisation

Road barriers contribute to the orderly flow of traffic by channelising drivers along designated routes. This is especially important in areas with complex road layouts, intersections, or construction zones, where traffic barriers guide drivers and help prevent confusion.

Collision prevention

When moving vehicles are in close proximity to the temporary site perimeter and its operatives, road safety barriers act as a shield. These barriers prevent vehicles from colliding with hazardous elements such as trees and utilities. By containing vehicles within the road space, traffic barriers reduce the severity of accidents and protect drivers, passengers and your employees. 

Pedestrian safety

In urban, high-traffic zones, road barriers contribute to pedestrian safety by creating a clear separation between footpaths and roadways. In this way, vehicles cannot collide with pedestrians. This is particularly important near busy streets or intersections, reducing the risk of accidents involving passers-by. 

Work zone protection

During road construction or maintenance activities, traffic barriers are crucial for creating a protective zone for your workers. The road barriers protect construction sites and your workers from passing vehicles. Because you use the barriers to clearly show where the work is being done, motorists know to be careful. This allows your workers to work undisturbed and reduces the risk of accidents. 

Vehicle departure prevention

Another primary role of traffic barriers is to prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway. Due to the safety colours (red and white) of road safety barriers, you can easily show that it is dangerous not to follow the marked path. Road barriers thus are important to reduce the risk of accidents, especially on highways and roads with curves.