Different Kinds of Traffic Control Equipment to Manage Traffic

Usually, we witness a myriad of construction and other road projects going on in our locality. Has anybody ever noticed that how the regular traffic gets diverted and controlled in the presence of these road works? This target is achieved through the use of traffic control devices like traffic cones, barrels etc. Many traffic control devices give specific fluorescent color so that the drivers know where to direct their vehicles. These techniques have been effective in guiding pedestrians and passers-by too.

There are various kinds of traffic control equipment used to manage traffic such as traffic cones, arrow boards, and control signs etc. These are also known as channeling devices.

·         Traffic cones - The most basic of all traffic control supplies is the traffic cone which is made out of bright orange PVC material. Cones are used to control the flow of traffic simply and effectively with the least amount of prep time. Easily prevent accidents with traffic cones kept in the back of your car in case of emergency. 

·         Vertical panels are another reflective traffic control device which measure around 8 inches in width and 24 inches in height. These are bright orange with vertical white stripes and used to direct the vehicular traffic. These are more evident than traffic cones but can be less visible from the side due it its shape.

·         Traffic barrels–These are as good as basic as traffic cones, but these are much bigger in size. The traffic barrels are primarily used to keep pedestrians and motorists out of heavy construction zones during repaving or other road work. Barrels are much sturdier than cones as these weigh 25 lbs. 

·         Traffic barricades - Along with traffic barrels, traffic barricades are an extremely visible and effective way to control traffic. Traffic barricades usually have reflective coating to allow easy viewing during the night. 

·         Pavement marking tape–It is a removable polymer tape which helps to show the outline of traffic flow in work zones especially at night. It is perfect for the areas where removal is extremely necessary after the construction is complete.

Another method of controlling traffic is to traffic control signs. The kinds of signs used are:

1.       Regulatory signs are traffic signs that are used to guide people about the general traffic rules and regulations such as speed limit, weight limit, one way, and no parking etc. These signs are in rectangular shape and uses red, white as primary colors.

2.       Another kind of signs used is warning signs. The name itself suggests that these signs are used to intimate driver about the upcoming danger on the way. These are of diamond shape. Examples of warning signs are intersection ahead signs, road machinery sign, curve warning sign, crosswalk signs etc.

3.       Guide signs are used to guide the travelers towards their destinations. These are generally rectangular in shape and uses white ink on green backgrounds. Examples of guide signs are destination and distance signs, street name signs, place name signs. The work zone signs also include detour markers, end road work signs and length of work signs.