Comparing Plastic Vs. Concrete Jersey wall Barriers

 

Jersey wall barriers are crucial for keeping roads safe, managing traffic, and protecting construction zones. You can spot them on highways, at construction sites, or in temporary and permanent setups. The two main types are plastic and concrete barriers. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your needs.

Table of Contents

1. What Are Jersey Wall Barriers?

2. Common Types of Jersey Wall Barriers

3. When to Use Plastic or Concrete Barriers

4. Why Plastic Water-Filled Barriers Are Often Better

5. Barricade Traffic Services: Your Barrier Experts

6. Contact Barricade Traffic Services

What Are Jersey Wall Barriers?

Jersey wall barriers are blocks designed to separate lanes of traffic, protect work zones, and improve safety. They help reduce accidents by guiding vehicle traffic and shielding workers in construction projects. The name "Jersey Wall Barriers" comes from the state of New Jersey, where they were first created to improve road safety and better manage the flow of traffic.

The sloped design reduces the risk of vehicles crossing into restricted work areas and minimizes damage during collisions. Modern traffic control companies, road construction companies etc. rely heavily on these barriers due to their versatility. They have the ability to be deployed in both temporary and permanent scenarios. These barriers help manage traffic, ensure workers’ safety, and guide pedestrians in work areas.

Common Types of Jersey Wall Barriers

Plastic Jersey Barriers

• Light and Easy to Move: When empty, these barriers are lightweight and simple to set up. They are perfect for temporary setups such as, detours or public events.
• Fillable for Stability: They can be filled with water or sand to stay in place, even in windy conditions or minor impacts.
• Durable Materials: Made from tough plastic (High-density polyethylene), these barriers resist weather damage and last a long time.
• Common Uses: Ideal for construction zones, temporary road closures, or managing crowds at events.

Concrete Barriers

• Very Strong and Stable: Made from reinforced concrete, these barriers can handle high-speed vehicle collisions and severe weather.
• Heavy and Secure: Their weight keeps them firmly in place, making them ideal for high-risk areas.
• Permanent Uses: Best for long-term solutions such as, highway medians or securing sensitive areas.

Plastic Jersey Barriers: Key Details

Material Composition

Plastic jersey wall barriers are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). A versatile and durable plastic known for its high strength-to-density ratio. This material is resistant to cracking, UV radiation, and extreme weather conditions, ensuring long-lasting performance even in harsh environments. HDPE is also recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice for traffic control.

Advantages of Plastic Barriers:

• Lightweight and Easy to Transport: Plastic barriers are significantly lighter than concrete, making them easier to handle. This feature is especially beneficial for temporary applications that require quick setup or adjustments.

• Customizable Colors: These barriers can be produced in bright, highly visible colors such as orange or yellow to improve safety and visibility in work zones or during public events.

• Cost-Effective: Plastic barriers are less expensive to manufacture, transport, and deploy, making them an economical choice for short-term or budget-sensitive projects.

• Environmentally Friendly: Many plastic barriers are made from recyclable materials, making them a greener alternative to concrete.

• Water or Sand Filling: The ability to fill the barriers adds versatility, allowing users to adjust the stability based on specific needs, such as windy conditions or minor vehicle impacts.

• Flexibility in Placement: Their modular design allows for easy customization of barrier length and shape, enabling traffic control companies to adapt to various site requirements.

Drawbacks of Plastic Barriers:

• Less Impact Protection: They don’t handle high-speed impacts as well as concrete barriers.
• Shorter Lifespan: Prolonged exposure to sunlight and extreme weather can weaken the plastic over time.

Concrete Jersey Barriers: Key Details

Material Composition

Concrete barriers are constructed using reinforced concrete, a composite material made from cement, water, and aggregates such as sand and gravel. Reinforcement with steel rebar provides added strength, enabling the barriers to withstand significant impacts and environmental stresses.

Advantages of Concrete Barriers:

• Extremely Durable: Concrete barriers are built to last, capable of withstanding harsh weather and high-speed vehicle impacts without compromising their integrity.

• Permanent Solution: Their durability makes them ideal for long-term applications, such as highway medians or perimeter security.

• High Impact Resistance: These barriers provide superior protection, ensuring safety in high-risk or high-traffic areas.

• Low Maintenance: Once installed, concrete barriers require minimal maintenance, reducing long-term costs.

Drawbacks of Concrete Barriers:

• Heavy and Difficult to Move: The sheer weight of concrete barriers makes them challenging to transport and install, often requiring specialized machinery.

• Higher Costs: The manufacturing, transportation, and installation costs are significantly higher than those of plastic barriers.

• Potential for Vehicle Damage: Collisions with concrete barriers can cause extensive damage to vehicles, posing a higher risk of injury to drivers and passengers.

• Limited Customization: Unlike plastic barriers, concrete barriers cannot be easily customized in terms of color or design.

When to Use Plastic or Concrete Barriers

• Temporary Road Work and Events: Plastic barriers are lightweight, reusable, and easy to move, making them great for short-term projects and events.

• Permanent Highway Dividers: Concrete barriers are the best choice for long-term safety and durability on highways.

• Crowd Control: Plastic barriers are easy to set up and adjust, ideal for guiding pedestrian traffic at events.

• High-Security Areas: Concrete barriers offer the strength and impact resistance needed for protecting restricted zones.

Why Plastic Barriers Are Often Better

Plastic water-filled barriers are versatile, affordable, and easy to use, making them a popular choice for traffic safety and construction projects. Their lightweight design and reusability save time and money, and their ability to be recycled makes them environmentally friendly. While concrete barriers are essential for heavy-duty needs, plastic barriers meet the demands of most traffic control needs.

Barricade Traffic Services: Your Barrier Experts

At Barricade Traffic Services, we provide high-quality plastic water-filled barriers for traffic control and safety. Made from durable HDPE, our barriers are weather-resistant, lightweight, and easy to handle. They’re perfect for lane closures, construction projects, and crowd management.

Why Choose Us?

• High-visibility colors to improve safety.

• Lightweight for quick setup and repositioning.

• Designed for use in construction zones, public events, and temporary road closures.

Contact Barricade Traffic Services

Choosing the right barrier is key to traffic safety and efficient work zones. Our experienced services team can help you find the best solution for your traffic control plan. Contact us today to learn more about our plastic barriers, traffic management plans, and other products/services. Ensure your next project is a success with Barricade Traffic Services!