Types of Barricades: Understanding the Options and Their Best Uses
Choosing a portable safety barrier is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Different situations require different barricade types—each with distinct strengths, weaknesses, and ideal applications. Understanding these options is critical for selecting the right tool for the job and ensuring your team operates with confidence, compliance, and efficiency.
Below is a breakdown of the most commonly used portable barricade types, including their best use cases.
- A-Frame Barricades (Sawhorse Style)
These consist of two A-frame legs supporting a board (plastic or wood), often striped or reflective.
Best For:
- Short-term pedestrian redirection
- Indoor or light-duty outdoor use
- Sidewalk closures, public works, or small maintenance areas
Pros:
✅ Lightweight
✅ Affordable
✅ Easy to store
Cons:
❌ Limited durability
❌ Poor wind resistance
❌ Not suited for vehicle impact
- Steel Crowd Control Barriers (Bike Rack Style)
Heavy-duty interlocking steel fences often seen at concerts, protests, or parade routes.
Best For:
- Large crowds and public events
- Queue formation and perimeter control
- Law enforcement and venue management
Pros:
✅ High durability
✅ Strong interlocking system
✅ Professional appearance
Cons:
❌ Heavy and harder to transport
❌ Susceptible to rust if not galvanized
❌ Not flexible for odd layouts
- Plastic Water-Filled or Sand-Filled Barriers
Large plastic barriers that can be filled for added stability and crash resistance.
Best For:
- Roadway closures and construction zones
- Traffic redirection
- Long-term outdoor safety setups
Pros:
✅ High impact resistance
✅ Visibility (bright colors, reflective strips)
✅ Modular connection systems
Cons:
❌ Bulky when filled
❌ Requires fill and drain setup
❌ Higher upfront cost
- Expandable/Cassette or Collapsible Barriers
Retractable or folding units, often made from plastic, aluminum, or composite materials.
Best For:
- Quick deployment needs
- Indoor crowd control or access restriction
- Utility or maintenance crews
Pros:
✅ Ultra-portable and compact
✅ Fast, tool-free deployment
✅ Custom branding and reflective options
Cons:
❌ Not ideal for crowd-heavy or high-wind environments
❌ May need to be weighted down outdoors
- Jersey Barriers (Concrete or Plastic)
Often permanent or semi-permanent barriers for heavy-duty security.
Best For:
- Traffic redirection on highways
- Construction zone separation
- Vehicle impact control
Pros:
✅ Extreme durability
✅ Vehicle crash resistance
✅ Long-term use
Cons:
❌ Not portable
❌ Requires heavy equipment to deploy
❌ Overkill for most pedestrian applications
Choosing the Right Type
Think of barrier types as tools in a toolbox—the right tool depends on the job. It’s common for municipalities and contractors to maintain an inventory of several types, each suited for specific needs. If you’re limited in storage or budget, start with versatile options that cover the majority of your use cases.
If speed, portability, and visibility are top priorities, collapsible or interlocking plastic barriers offer a strong blend of features without sacrificing safety or usability.
FAQs
Q1: Can I mix and match different barrier types in one setup?
A1: Yes, many organizations combine types for layered control—for example, using steel barricades for perimeter control and retractable barriers for internal access management.
Q2: What’s the most versatile barricade for general use?
A2: A high-quality collapsible barrier with locking mechanisms, reflectivity, and modular capabilities is often the most versatile for teams that need flexibility, quick deployment, and compact storage.
