Road Barriers: What are they used for?

We’ve all been frustrated by road barriers blocking off our route when we’re in a rush to get to the railway station or somewhere else, but how much do we really know about them? Are they really just annoying pieces of plastic or welded metal placed in our way to ruin our day, or are they actually useful? Well, they have a multitude of critical functions that go way beyond simply blocking or directing traffic.

These versatile installations are essential for ensuring road safety, managing traffic flow, and protecting both motorists and pedestrians. From construction zones to accident sites, road barriers are indispensable tools that help maintain order and safety on our roads. Let’s have a look at their uses, shall we?

1. Enhancing Road Safety

The primary function of road barriers is to enhance safety for all road users. Barriers such as guardrails and concrete barriers (Jersey barriers) are designed to prevent vehicles from veering off the road, thereby reducing the risk of severe accidents. These barriers can absorb the impact of a collision, minimizing damage to the vehicle and its occupants. For instance, a well-placed guardrail can prevent a car from falling into a ravine or crossing into oncoming traffic, significantly reducing the likelihood of fatal accidents.

2. Managing Traffic Flow

In urban areas, road barriers play a crucial role in managing traffic flow. They help in channelling vehicles into specific lanes, preventing congestion, and ensuring a smooth movement of traffic. During peak hours or special events, temporary barriers can be used to redirect traffic, manage detours, and reduce the risk of traffic jams. These barriers are essential for maintaining order on busy streets and highways, ensuring that traffic moves efficiently and safely.

3. Protecting Construction Areas

Road construction and maintenance are inevitable parts of urban development. To protect both construction workers and motorists, barriers are used to create safe areas around construction sites. These barriers keep vehicles at a safe distance from hazardous areas, reducing the risk of accidents involving construction equipment and workers. They also provide a clear visual cue to drivers, warning them of changes in road conditions and encouraging them to slow down and drive carefully. These bright, heavy duty plastic barriers can be filled with water or sand to provide strength.

4. Emergency Situations and Incident Management

In the event of accidents, natural disasters, or other emergencies, road barriers are vital for incident management. They can be quickly deployed to secure the area, preventing further accidents and allowing emergency responders to work safely. Barriers can also be used to create detours around the accident site, ensuring that traffic can continue to flow while the situation is being sorted.

5. Pedestrian Safety

In urban areas, road barriers are essential for protecting pedestrians. Barriers such as bollards and railings can be installed along pavements and pedestrian crossings to stop vehicles from encroaching. These barriers provide a physical separation between vehicles and pedestrians, reducing the risk of accidents and providing safety for those on foot. Additionally, barriers can be used to guide pedestrian traffic during large events or in areas with heavy foot traffic, ensuring a safe and orderly flow.

6. Crowd Control and Event Management

During large public events such as concerts, festivals, and sports games, crowd control is always important. Road barriers are instrumental in managing large crowds, guiding attendees, and preventing unauthorised access to restricted areas. Crowd barriers help create designated entry and exit points, ensuring that crowds move smoothly and safely.

 

7. Environmental Protection

Road barriers also contribute to environmental protection. For example, barriers can be used to prevent vehicles from entering sensitive ecological areas, such as wetlands and wildlife reserves. By restricting access, these barriers help preserve the natural habitat and protect wildlife from being disturbed by human activity. Additionally, barriers can be used to contain spills or debris from accidents, preventing environmental contamination and facilitating cleanup efforts.

8. Temporary and Mobile Applications

Temporary and mobile barriers are highly versatile and can be used in a variety of situations. These barriers are often used for short-term projects, such as road repairs, utility work, or special events. Their portability allows for quick setup and removal, making them ideal for dynamic environments where traffic patterns need to be adjusted frequently. Mobile barriers can also be equipped with reflective materials or lights to enhance visibility, ensuring that they are easily seen by drivers even in low-light conditions.

9. Innovative Technologies and Future Developments

As technology advances, so do the capabilities of road barriers. Modern barriers are increasingly being integrated with smart technologies, such as sensors and connectivity features, to enhance their functionality. These smart barriers can communicate with traffic management systems, providing real-time data on traffic conditions, barrier status, and potential hazards. This information can be used to optimize traffic flow, improve safety, and respond more effectively to incidents.

Types of Barriers and Panels…

Crash Test Barriers

The CRASH TESTED Barrier is the "Highest Approved Plastic Barrier” system on the UK Highways approval list. 

TESTED AND APPROVED TO BS EN1317-N1 50MPH (80KMPH)

• The crash tested barrier system is really easy to install and provides up to 200 meters per load. This feature significantly reduces labour and transport costs.
• Lightweight and manageable, it can be easily handled and installed by a workforce or contractor without the need for heavy lifting machinery. Total convenience.

 

Chapter 8 Barriers

The Chapter 8 Barrier is designed to create a highly visible, protective wall for pedestrians while alerting motorists to proceed with caution in hazardous zones. Chapter 8 barriers include ‘link pin protection’ which means they are perfect for uneven surfaces.

 

Road Barriers

versatile solution for creating solid, interlocking barriers with three design sizes. Our road barriers are high performance and heavy duty, and are the ultimate in workforce protection. Stackable, strong and durable.

Crowd Barriers

Heavy-duty crowd control barriers offer the sturdiest crowd control barrier we have come across. Our crowd barriers Incorporate our reinforced feet with Smart weld technology.

Heras Fence Panel Kits

Heras fence panel kits come complete with a Heras trade temporary mesh fence panel, an 18kg foot and 2 couplers to attach the fences together. Ideal for use on construction sites these kits are compliant with industry requirements.

Economy Retractable Belt Barrier

The Economy Belt Barrier is ideal for use as a barrier or guidance system, and is easily and quickly set up for use as footpath marking or where traffic areas need to be cordoned off. These are designed for use in scenarios as diverse as queue guidance, industrial sites, warehouses, car parking facilities, events, public spaces and more!

If you're looking for a bollard for your project, take a look at our impressive range of bollards for every type of use. We're a manufacturer of bollards and won't be beaten on price!

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