How to Choose the Right Barricade for Traffic Control

When managing traffic or pedestrian flow, safety and clear organization are essential. You might be directing vehicles through construction sites, managing pedestrian flow at special events, or securing work areas. In any of these cases, having the right barricade makes a big difference. The right product helps prevent accidents, protects sworkers, and keeps traffic moving smoothly.

At Barricade Traffic Services (BTS), we provide traffic control services and safety equipment for all kinds of situations. This includes everything from busy highways to small lane closures in neighborhoods. In this guide, we’ll help you understand how to choose the best barricade for your needs, using real examples from our product lineup.

Why Choosing the Right Barricade Matters

Using the wrong traffic barricade can cause confusion, increase the risk of injury, and lead to regulatory issues. The right solution helps guide both drivers and pedestrians, ensures worker safety, and keeps projects compliant with local and provincial laws. It also improves efficiency in traffic management planning—especially important in time-sensitive or high-traffic areas.

Not all barricades serve the same purpose. A small street event would need a completely different setup than highway maintenance. That’s why we offer several high-visibility options designed for both short-term and long-term use.

Let’s explore our top traffic barricade products and how they serve various traffic control needs.

Our Three Main Barricade Options

At BTS, we offer three core barricade products designed to support projects of every size—from temporary street closures to large-scale construction.

Metal Crowd Control Barricade

This sturdy, interlocking barrier is a go-to for crowd control at concerts, rallies, marathons, or parades. It’s designed to manage large groups of people and protect both staff and attendees. These are especially effective at high-attendance events where pedestrian traffic needs to be funneled into safe, organized pathways. Control technicians and safety teams use them to separate restricted zones, create queues, and keep emergency exits clear.

V-Type Crowd Control Barricade

Ideal for both pedestrian and light-vehicle control, this lightweight barricade is perfect for fast setup and removal in temporary work zones, festivals, or construction areas. Its A-frame shape makes it easy to position and highly visible for both foot traffic and motorists. Whether you're redirecting people around a sidewalk repair or closing off an event space, this barricade provides quick control in changing environments.

8' Plastic Saw Horse Barricade (TC-53A)

This durable and lightweight barricade is designed for use in work zones and road maintenance projects. Its bright coloring and reflective surfaces make it ideal for lane closures, sidewalk construction, and directing traffic in low-visibility conditions. Traffic control persons (TCPs) and contractors use it for jobs that require both visibility and portability. It’s frequently deployed in areas where ensuring workers’ safety is a top concern.

Understanding Your Use Case

Different projects require different tools. Here’s how to match the right barricade to your specific needs:

Construction Sites and Work Areas

For infrastructure and utility work, safety is the top priority. The 8' Plastic Saw Horse Barricade is ideal for these settings. It helps redirect vehicles and foot traffic around hazardous zones and protects workers on the job. Pairing it with proper signage enhances traffic safety and ensures clear communication with drivers.

Special Events and Crowd Control

Managing people at large public events demands flexibility and strong physical control. The Metal Crowd Control Barricade allows you to set up queuing lines, control entry and exit points, and separate areas within a venue. For temporary walkways or perimeter marking, the V-Type option is excellent due to its fast deployment and portability.

Temporary Conditions and Emergencies

Quick action is needed when there’s a sinkhole, downed power line, or accident. In such situations, V-Type or Plastic Saw Horse Barricades can be set up immediately to block off danger zones. Their reflective panels provide high visibility even at night or in poor weather, supporting emergency services and ensuring public safety.

Barricade Rent vs. Buy

Not every project justifies purchasing barricades. That’s why many of our clients choose to rent. Renting traffic barricades is especially beneficial for short-term needs like weekend events or brief construction tasks. Some benefits include:

• Reduced upfront cost
• No need for storage or maintenance
• Access to a wider range of products
• Flexibility to scale as needed

We offer rental services across all our core traffic control products. Whether you need a few barricades for a street festival or dozens for a citywide construction project, we’ve got you covered.

Our Full Range of Services

We’re more than just a traffic safety equipment provider. Our services include traffic control planning, road signage, and equipment delivery. As an experienced sign manufacturer, we also create custom signs to accompany your barricade setup—ensuring clear communication and improved safety on-site.

Our experienced control technicians work with you to plan efficient setups for construction projects, pedestrian zones, and high-risk areas. We help ensure compliance, keep people safe, and reduce delays caused by poor traffic management.

Why Work With BTS?

We understand that each job site is unique. That’s why we tailor our solutions to meet your specific needs. Whether you're handling a residential sidewalk repair, a downtown lane closure, or a major infrastructure project, we offer:

• High-quality, regulation-compliant barricades
• Fast delivery and pickup options
• Support from traffic control experts
• Custom traffic management plans
• Equipment built for durability, visibility, and ease of use

We pride ourselves on making your job easier and safer—from setup to cleanup.

Safety Starts with Smart Choices

Choosing the right barricade is not just about physical barriers. It is also about protecting people, staying organized, and keeping projects on track. - If you are managing a construction site, you need the right barricade.

The same goes for planning a public event. It is also crucial when handling an emergency. It helps you keep order, lower risks, and ensure health and safety for everyone involved.

Let BTS support your next project with professional-grade equipment, reliable service, and expert guidance. Visit our barricades page or contact us today to get started.