Understanding Different Barricade Types for Safer Work Zones

Whether you’re managing traffic during road repairs or keeping crowds safe at a public event,
barricades are one of the most important tools in your safety toolkit. In construction zones, utility
projects, and city-wide festivals, the right barricade helps protect your crew, guide pedestrians,
and stay in compliance with local and federal regulations.

But not all barricades are created equal. Choosing between A-frame barricades, water-filled
barriers, or crowd control barricades depends on your site layout, duration, traffic conditions,
and compliance requirements. The wrong choice could increase liability and confusion, while
the right one keeps everything running smoothly and safely.

Here’s how to select the barricade type that fits your job and keeps your work zone protected.

What Are the Main Types of Barricades?

Barricades serve different purposes depending on the environment and safety needs. Here are
the most widely used traffic barricades and construction barricades available:

• A-Frame Barricades: Lightweight and easy to move, commonly used in sidewalk or lane closures.
• Water-Filled Barricades: Durable plastic barriers that can be filled on-site for added stability.
• Crowd Control Barricades: Steel or plastic barriers used at events to direct foot traffic and maintain order.
• Vertical Panels: These panels, often used in conjunction with other channelizing devices like cones and barricades, provide a visual cue for drivers to follow.
• Concrete Barriers: Heavy-duty protection often used for major highway or freeway construction (typically more permanent).

Each type has a specific use, and selecting the right one depends on visibility needs, project
duration, safety regulations, and environmental conditions.

When to Use Each Barricade Type

Selecting the right barricade isn’t just about visibility, it’s also about functionality, MUTCD
compliance (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices), and safety. Each type is designed to
address specific hazards and environments, and using the wrong one could put your team and
the public at risk.

A-Frame Barricades

Great for local roadwork, school zones, and small pedestrian detours. Their lightweight design makes them easy to install and remove, while their bright colors and signage slots ensure visibility.

Water-Filled Barricades

These barriers are perfect for long-term projects or areas requiring high visibility and strong impact resistance. They’re often seen during major road construction or freeway detours. Plus, they’re stackable and cost-effective to transport.

Crowd Control Barricades

Essential at concerts, marathons, festivals, and parades. These barriers keep pedestrians safe
and routes clear. Explore our Pedestrian Barriers to see how we support public safety at high-
traffic events.

Temporary Traffic Control Devices

Cones, barrels, and directional signs are used for dynamic projects that shift locations or only
last a few hours or days. They offer flexibility and fast setup, especially useful during emergency
response or maintenance work.

Benefits of Using MUTCD-Compliant Barricades

Whether you’re working on a road resurfacing project or setting up a citywide festival, using
MUTCD-compliant barricades ensures you meet safety regulations and reduce liability. The
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) sets the national standard for all traffic
control devices on public roads.

The BarricadeCo.’s inventory includes only compliant equipment, offering peace of mind that
your project meets both federal and Arizona state standards.

Renting vs. Buying Barricades in Arizona

Choosing whether to rent or buy barricades isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It depends on how
long your project runs, how frequently you need the equipment, and whether storage and
maintenance are feasible for your team. Making the right call here can save you time, budget,
and logistical headaches down the line.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Renting is ideal when you want:

• Lower upfront costs
• No storage or maintenance worries
• Quick access for short-term or one-time use
  

Buying works best when:

• You have ongoing or frequent projects
• You want full control over your equipment
• Storage and maintenance aren’t an issue

At The Barricade Company, we help you assess your site and select the right traffic safety
equipment, whether you need it for a weekend event or a multi-month project.

Why The BarricadeCo Is Arizona’s Go-To Provider for Traffic Safety

With years of experience serving clients across Arizona, The Barricade Company understands
the region’s specific safety needs. We offer a wide range of types of safety barriers, prompt
delivery, and reliable customer support. Our inventory covers everything from road closure
barriers to crowd control barricades, all maintained to the highest standards.

Want to see our barricades in action? Browse our Project Gallery for real-life examples, or
contact us to speak with a local expert about your next project.

Build Safer Work Zones with the Right Barricade

Understanding different barricade types helps ensure safety, compliance, and efficiency on
every site. Whether you're managing traffic flow, protecting or directing pedestrians, or securing
a construction zone, the right barricade makes all the difference.

Let The Barricade Company be your trusted partner for traffic barricades in Arizona. Reach out
today.