How ATSSA best practices, MUTCD guidance, and real-world deployment considerations inform safer barricade selection.
Introduction: Why Temporary Traffic Control Deserves More Attention
Temporary traffic control (TTC) is one of the most overlooked—and most consequential—elements of safety planning. Whether in roadway work zones, utility repairs, municipal projects, or public events, temporary conditions introduce uncertainty for drivers, pedestrians, and workers alike.
Incidents in temporary environments rarely stem from a single failure. More often, they result from unclear boundaries, inconsistent devices, poor visibility, or rushed deployment. That is why professional guidance—beyond minimum requirements—matters.
This guide is written for safety professionals, public works teams, contractors, and event coordinators who want to make better, more informed decisions about temporary barricades. It explains how ATSSA best practices, MUTCD requirements, and real-world deployment needs intersect—and how modern barricade design can support safer outcomes.
What Is Temporary Traffic Control (TTC)?
Temporary Traffic Control refers to the systems, devices, and practices used to warn, guide, and protect road users and workers when normal traffic patterns are disrupted.
Common TTC environments include:
- Roadway and shoulder work zones
- Sidewalk and pedestrian rerouting
- Utility and maintenance projects
- School zones and facilities
- Special events and crowd management areas
The primary goal of TTC is not just compliance—it is predictability. People behave more safely when boundaries are clear, consistent, and easy to understand at a glance.
The Role of ATSSA in Temporary Traffic Control Best Practices
The American Traffic Safety and Services Association (ATSSA) is a nationally recognized organization dedicated to advancing roadway safety through education, training, and best-practice guidance.
While ATSSA does not write regulations, its recommendations are widely relied upon by:
- State and local Departments of Transportation
- Municipal public works departments
- Traffic control contractors
- Safety managers and planners
ATSSA guidance focuses on outcomes—reducing confusion, exposure, and risk—rather than simply meeting minimum thresholds. This makes ATSSA best practices especially valuable in environments where judgment, experience, and adaptability matter.
MUTCD Requirements vs. ATSSA Best Practices
Understanding the distinction between requirements and best practices is essential.
MUTCD (Minimum Standards)
- Establishes legally recognized traffic control requirements
- Defines device types, colors, and general usage
- Focuses on consistency nationwide
ATSSA (Best Practices)
- Builds on MUTCD foundations
- Addresses real-world conditions and human behavior
- Emphasizes visibility, deployment efficiency, and worker safety
In practice, many safety failures occur not because MUTCD was ignored—but because best practices were not applied.
Core ATSSA Best Practice Principles for Barricades
1. Visibility and Recognition
Barricades must immediately communicate authority and restriction. High-visibility colors, clear contrast, and recognizable form factors help reduce hesitation and misinterpretation.
2. Clear Delineation of Hazards
Effective barricades create unmistakable boundaries. Partial barriers, gaps, or mixed devices can unintentionally invite entry into restricted areas.
3. Consistency and Predictability
Uniform barricade appearance and placement reduce cognitive load. When users encounter consistent visual cues, they are more likely to respond correctly.
4. Ease of Deployment and Removal
ATSSA best practices recognize that worker exposure increases with setup time. Devices that deploy quickly and safely support better outcomes for crews in the field.
Where Temporary Barricades Fit in the TTC Device Mix
Barricades are not interchangeable with cones or drums. Each device has an appropriate role.
Barricades are especially effective when:
- Physical presence is needed to reinforce restricted access
- Pedestrian control is required
- Short-duration or mobile operations demand fast setup
- Visual authority is necessary to prevent casual entry
In many cases, barricades provide a stronger safety signal than lighter delineation devices.
Choosing the Right Temporary Barricade: A Professional Framework
When evaluating barricades, safety professionals should consider:
- Visibility: Is the barricade easily recognized from a distance?
- Authority: Does it clearly communicate restricted access?
- Consistency: Can it be deployed uniformly across multiple sites?
- Deployment Efficiency: How quickly can it be set up and removed?
- Worker Handling: Does its design reduce lifting and handling strain?
This framework aligns closely with ATSSA’s emphasis on reducing exposure and confusion.
How Portable, Folding Barricades Support Best Practices
Modern folding barricades are designed to address many of the challenges identified in ATSSA guidance:
- Lightweight construction reduces worker strain
- Folding designs speed deployment and retrieval
- Compact storage supports fleet and facility efficiency
- Consistent appearance improves recognition
These features are particularly valuable in short-duration work zones, municipal maintenance, and event environments.
Where Flex-Safe Barricades Fit Within ATSSA-Aligned Planning
Flex-Safe folding barricades are designed with these best-practice principles in mind:
- High-visibility color options and clear warning presentation
- Continuous barrier appearance when deployed
- Lightweight, portable construction for fast setup
- Consistent form factor across applications
Flex-Safe barricades are not endorsed by ATSSA, but they are engineered to support ATSSA-aligned outcomes in real-world use.
Common Temporary Traffic Control Mistakes to Avoid
Even with good intentions, the following mistakes frequently increase risk:
- Mixing barricade types without a clear pattern
- Leaving gaps that imply access
- Using devices with insufficient visibility
- Prioritizing speed over consistency
- Selecting equipment based solely on price
Avoiding these pitfalls often has more impact than adding additional devices.
Final Thoughts: Best Practices Are About Safer Outcomes
Temporary traffic control is not static. Conditions change, environments vary, and people behave unpredictably.
ATSSA best practices provide a framework for making better decisions—decisions that go beyond minimum requirements and focus on clarity, consistency, and safety.
The right barricade does more than meet a specification. It supports safer behavior, reduces exposure, and helps everyone navigate temporary conditions with confidence.
Looking for Barricades That Support Best Practices?
If you are evaluating temporary barricades for work zones, pedestrian control, or events, choose equipment that supports ATSSA best practices for visibility, consistency, and safe deployment.
Flex-Safe barricades are designed to help safety professionals meet those expectations in real-world conditions—without unnecessary complexity.
View Flex-Safe barricade specifications
FAQ’s
Qestion: Are ATSSA best practices the same as MUTCD requirements?
Answer: No. The MUTCD establishes minimum, legally recognized requirements for traffic control devices, while ATSSA best practices build on those standards by addressing real-world conditions, human behavior, and deployment challenges. Many safety issues occur not because MUTCD requirements were ignored, but because best practices—such as improved visibility, consistency, and faster deployment—were not applied.
Question: Why are barricades often preferred over cones for temporary traffic control?
Answer: Barricades provide a stronger visual and physical signal than cones, making them especially effective for pedestrian control, restricted access areas, and short-duration work zones. Their size, structure, and ability to present continuous boundaries help reduce confusion and discourage unintended entry—key outcomes emphasized in ATSSA best practices.
