There are many situations where you may need to control or redirect traffic. It might be to increase safety in a work zone, keep vehicles from a specific area during an event, or limit access to a restricted location. Traffic controls allow you to accomplish this through one of several methods.
7 Types of Traffic Controls
The following types of traffic controls can help direct, slop, and stop cars in designated areas. Learn more about each one, where they work best, and how to use them most effectively.
1. Traffic Cones
Cones are some of the simplest types of traffic control available. They are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for quick installation in temporary locations. Durable construction allows them to withstand harsh conditions.
Traffic cones come in various sizes. Common uses include redirecting traffic, such as into another lane, or marking road hazards. Barrels are larger and often used to protect workers performing road construction. Some can be filled with water, sand, or cement to stabilize them and provide reinforcement. Bright colors and reflective markings make them highly visible.
2. Bollards
Bollards are more substantial traffic control devices. They can be cement, steel, or other rigid materials. Most are installed in permanent locations to stop the flow of traffic. Bollards are ideal for installation around pedestrian areas and buildings.
There are two main types of bollards: fixed and retracting. The former stays in position, offering constant traffic control. If you need a more flexible solution, you can install retracting bollards. They go underground and rise as needed to provide an effective high-security barrier system. Delta Scientific offers several models of bollards, including manual, hydraulic, and electromechanical. Some models can raise and lower in seconds to meet the strictest security requirements.
3. Wedge Barriers
Wedge barriers offer high security for restricted-access areas. Embassies, military installations, and other sensitive facilities rely on this type of traffic control to enhance security. They are typically set into an underground foundation, which allows for raising and lowering the physical wedge barrier with hydraulic and electric mechanisms. When raised, the wedge spans the roadway or entrance, completely blocking traffic.
Because the barriers retract into the roadway, they are unobtrusive when not deployed. Different materials and colors can help them blend into your facilities.
4. Traffic Signs and Signals
Situations that call for traffic controls that are easy to change as needed may be better served with signs and traffic signals. These provide visual cues to drivers about speed, direction, and any lane changes. You can also use them to stop traffic, such as when construction requires intermittent lane closures. Because signs and traffic signals require drivers to consciously comply with instructions, they are best suited for situations that do not require high security or where a backup is possible.
5. Beam Barricades
Beam barricades are excellent for situations that require a moveable physical barrier to direct traffic. They can cover openings ranging from 10 to 30 feet, with beams that open either horizontally or vertically. You can choose from manual, hydraulic, and electric beams depending on your situation.
This type of traffic control uses a physical beam that rests on buttresses on either side of the opening or roadway. Beam barricades are commonly seen in parking areas or locations with restricted access.
6. Speed Bumps
Speed bumps and humps consist of raised portions of pavement within travel lanes. They encourage drivers to reduce their speed. Speed bumps are excellent when placed in parking areas or approach lanes to gates. Rumble strips are similar traffic control devices that use textured surfaces cut into the pavement.
Pavement-based traffic controls like speed bumps are inexpensive and easy to install. They are generally considered long-term solutions that last as long as the surrounding pavement. However, they are most visible and therefore effective when painted in a contrasting color, and you may need to touch up markings more frequently.
7. Portable Barriers
There are many types of portable barrier systems. Most offer quick installation and high visibility. Some systems have extremely high crash ratings, making them ideal for temporary functions with restricted access.
Wedges or beams mounted on trailers are a common configuration. A crew of two people can generally set them up within 10 or 15 minutes, which allows for a quick solution for controlling traffic. Portable bollards are another option.
Effective Traffic Controls From Delta Scientific
Delta Scientific is proud to be a leading manufacturer of high-security traffic controls. We offer several types of barrier systems designed to withstand up to 50 MPH impacts. Contact us to explore your options.