When it comes to maintaining safety on highways and construction zones, it’s crucial to select the right traffic control devices. Two common types of barriers are longitudinal channelizing devices (LCDs), such as the TrafFix Water-Wall™, and positive protection barriers, such as the TrafFix Water-Cable Barrier™. These devices are also commonly referred to as plastic Jersey Walls, plastic Jersey barriers and water jersey walls. While they may seem similar at first glance, these devices and barriers serve distinct functions and are used in different applications depending on the level of protection needed.
What Are Longitudinal Channelizing Devices?
Longitudinal channelizing devices, like the TrafFix Water-Wall, are primarily used to guide and control traffic through work zones and temporary construction sites. These barriers provide a visual and physical separation between the flow of traffic and work areas, but they are not designed to stop or deflect vehicles upon impact.
Applications:
- Work Zones and Road Construction Areas: Longitudinal channelizing devices are perfect for separating active work zones from pedestrians or low speed traffic. Their bright colors and modular design make them ideal for creating visual lanes or boundaries without obstructing views.
- Special Events: These barriers are commonly used at events such as parades, concerts, or festivals to direct traffic or create pedestrian walkways.
- Crash-Tested and Certified: LCD’s like plastic Jersey Barriers such as the Water-Wall are tested and certified to meet specific safety standards, such as MASH, ensuring they provide adequate protection for workers and motorists.
While longitudinal channelizing devices offer some level of protection, they are primarily designed to provide a clear visual guide for drivers, not to stop or mitigate vehicle crashes.
What Are Positive Protection Barriers?
Positive protection barriers, such as the TrafFix Water-Cable Barrier, are designed to physically stop, capture or redirect vehicles upon impact. These barriers provide a higher level of safety by preventing errant vehicles from entering dangerous areas, such as active work zones or areas with workers present.
Key Features of Positive Protection Barriers:
- High Impact Resistance: Positive protection barriers are designed to absorb and dissipate the energy of vehicle impacts, reducing the severity of accidents.
- Reinforced with Steel Cables: The TrafFix Water-Cable Barrier includes internal steel cables that provide additional strength and impact resistance. These cables help the barrier to absorb and redirect the force of a collision.
- Crash-Tested and Certified: Positive protection barriers are often tested and certified to meet specific safety standards, such as NCHRP 350 or MASH, ensuring they provide the highest level of protection for workers and motorists.
Applications:
- High-Speed Work Zones: Positive protection barriers are essential for use in high-speed roadways, where the risk of severe crashes is greater. These barriers prevent vehicles from entering restricted areas, protecting both the drivers and the workers.
- Worker Protection in Hazardous Areas: In work zones where workers are in close proximity to moving traffic, positive protection barriers provide a critical layer of defense, physically preventing vehicles from entering the workspace.
Key Differences Between Longitudinal Channelizing Devices and Positive Protection Barriers:
Level of Protection: The primary difference between the two types of barriers is the level of protection they offer. Longitudinal channelizing devices like the TrafFix Water-Wall are primarily used for visual guidance and light separation, while positive protection barriers like the TrafFix Water-Cable Barrier are designed to stop or redirect vehicles upon impact, providing a much higher level of safety.
Materials and Construction: Positive protection barriers often include steel reinforcements, such as the internal steel cables in the TrafFix Water-Cable Barrier, to enhance their ability to withstand vehicle impacts. Longitudinal channelizing devices, on the other hand, rely on water for stability and do not have internal reinforcements designed to stop vehicles.
Applications: Longitudinal channelizing devices are best suited for low-traffic, low-speed areas where the risk of vehicle intrusion is minimal. Positive protection barriers are required in high-speed, high-risk areas where there is a greater need to protect workers and prevent vehicles from entering dangerous zones.
Choosing the Right Barrier for Your Application
Selecting the appropriate barrier depends on the specific needs of your project. For low-impact applications, such as creating temporary traffic lanes or separating work zones from passing traffic at low speeds, longitudinal channelizing devices like the TrafFix Water-Wall are an excellent choice. They are easy to set up, highly visible, and offer a clear visual guide to drivers.
However, in higher risk environments where safety is paramount – such as areas with workers near traffic – positive protection Jersey barriers like the TrafFix Water-Cable Barrier are essential. These water filled barriers provide the strength and crash protection needed to keep both workers and motorists safe.
Both longitudinal channelizing devices and positive protection barriers serve critical roles in ensuring roadway safety, but their applications and level of protection differ significantly. Longitudinal channelizing devices are best for visually guiding traffic through temporary zones, while positive protection barriers provide a physical barrier that can prevent vehicle intrusions and protect lives in high-risk areas.
Understanding these differences will help you choose the right barrier for your specific project, ensuring optimal safety for workers, drivers, and pedestrians alike.