How to Set Up Traffic Safety Cones for Maximum Visibility
Traffic safety cones are one of the most essential tools in traffic control. Whether you're managing a road construction zone, directing traffic, or ensuring pedestrian safety, proper placement of traffic safety cones is crucial for maximum visibility and effectiveness. At Barricade Traffic Services, we provide high-quality traffic cones designed to meet safety standards and enhance visibility in various applications.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to properly set up traffic safety cones to maximize safety, improve traffic flow, and comply with regulations.
Why Proper Traffic Safety Cone Placement Matters
Traffic cones are more than just simple markers; they play a vital role in road safety. When placed correctly, they help warn drivers of upcoming hazards, guide vehicles safely through detours or construction zones, and protect road workers by creating clear work boundaries. They are also effective for directing pedestrian traffic in high-risk areas and preventing accidents by increasing visibility, especially at night.
However, incorrect placement of traffic cones can lead to confusion, reduced visibility, and even accidents. That’s why it’s essential to follow best practices for proper setup.
Choosing the Right Traffic Safety Cones
Before placing cones, it’s important to select the right type. Barricade Traffic Services supplies MTO-approved traffic cones designed for various applications.
Not all traffic cones are the same. Barricade Traffic Services offers durable, highly visible cones built for various traffic control applications.
Our Traffic Safety Cones Include:
✔ 28” and 36” Traffic Cones – Standard for most road construction and lane closure projects.
✔ Reflective Collared Cones – Equipped with high-visibility reflective bands, ideal for low-light and nighttime use.
✔ Standard Non-Reflective Cones – Perfect for daytime projects where reflective elements aren’t required.
✔ Stackable Design – Easy to store, transport, and deploy.
Each cone we offer is MTO-approved and designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring long-lasting performance in high-traffic areas.
How to Set Up Traffic Safety Cones for Maximum Visibility
Determine the Purpose of the Setup
Before placing cones, it's important to identify why they are needed. Are you redirecting traffic, closing a lane, or creating a pedestrian path? The purpose will determine the cone spacing, placement, and number of cones required.
Use the Correct Spacing for Traffic Flow
The spacing of traffic cones is critical to ensuring they are visible and effective. On highways and freeways, cones should be placed 20-30 feet apart to create a clear lane closure. In urban streets and construction zones, they should be positioned 10-15 feet apart to guide vehicles through tight spaces. For pedestrian walkways, cones should be placed 5-10 feet apart to create a clear and safe path.
Ensure Traffic Safety Cones Are Visible at All Times
For maximum visibility, cones should be positioned where they can be seen from a distance. Drivers should be able to spot them well in advance. In low-light conditions, reflective collars on cones enhance visibility. Weather conditions like fog, rain, or snow can reduce cone visibility, so spacing may need to be adjusted, and reflective surfaces should be kept clean.
Secure Traffic Cones in High-Wind Areas
Wind and fast-moving vehicles can knock over cones, reducing their effectiveness. To prevent this, weighted base traffic cones should be used in open areas. Additionally, traffic barrels or barricades can be placed alongside cones for added stability.
Follow Traffic Control Regulations
It is crucial to adhere to local traffic control regulations when setting up cones. In Ontario, construction traffic signs and traffic cones must meet MTO (Ministry of Transportation Ontario) standards for visibility, durability, and placement.
Combine Traffic Cones with Other Safety Equipment
For maximum safety, traffic safety cones should be used alongside other traffic control equipment. Pairing cones with construction signs provides clear warnings to drivers, while jersey barriers help with lane closures and detours. Message boards can be used for advance driver notifications, further improving road safety.
Ideal Applications for Traffic Safety Cones
Traffic cones are used in various traffic control scenarios. In road construction and maintenance, they help mark lane closures, create safe work zones, and direct vehicles through detours.
In event traffic management, traffic cones help organize parking lot traffic, set up temporary pedestrian walkways, and control vehicle access to restricted areas.
For emergency road closures, traffic safety cones play a crucial role in blocking off accident scenes, directing traffic during hazardous conditions, and assisting first responders in creating safe zones.
They are also widely used in utility and infrastructure work, where they mark underground work areas, direct vehicles away from electrical or water maintenance zones, and ensure worker safety in confined spaces.
Why Choose Barricade Traffic Services for Your Traffic Safety Cones?
At Barricade Traffic Services, we provide traffic safety cones that meet and exceed industry standards. Our cones are MTO-approved, ensuring compliance with all necessary road safety regulations. They are highly durable and visible, making them ideal for use in any weather condition or traffic environment.
We offer both purchasing and rental options, allowing clients to choose the most cost-effective solution based on their needs. Whether you need traffic cones for a short-term construction project or long-term traffic management, we have you covered.
Our team provides fast delivery and expert support, ensuring that you have the right equipment when you need it. If you're unsure about the number or type of cones required for your project, our traffic control specialists can guide you to the best solution.
Proper setup of traffic safety cones is essential for maintaining order and safety in traffic control situations. By using high-quality construction traffic signs and cones, placing them correctly, and following best practices, you can effectively manage traffic flow, protect workers, and prevent accidents.
At Barricade Traffic Services, we supply the best traffic safety cones for all your road safety needs. Contact us today to buy or rent MTO-approved traffic cones and keep your project running smoothly!
