Evaluation of Work Zone Barricades (7-3910-S)

Safety of work zones is a major area of concern since it is not always possible to maintain a level of safety comparable to that of a normal highway not under construction. Proper traffic control is critical to the safety of work zones. However, traffic control devices themselves may pose a safety hazard when impacted by errant vehicles. Little is known about the impact performance of many work zone traffic control devices.The objective of the study was to design, evaluate, and test additional work zone sign supports and barricades that would perform satisfactorily when impacted by errant vehicles.Researchers conducted a total of 12 crash tests on various work zone traffic control devices, including Type III barricades, Type I barricade, portable sign support, ground-mounted Type III barricade, skid-mounted sign support, and three vertical panel supports. Results of the crash tests are presented in this report together with conclusions and recommendations.