Special Events Review Committee 

Proper use of road closure barriers is essential for maintaining public safety and traffic control during special events. Barriers are required to ensure pedestrian safety, restrict vehicle access, and direct traffic efficiently. The type of barrier required depends on the size, location, and impact of the event.

[LINK TO BARRICADE/SIGN INDEX PDF]

Types of Road Closure Barriers

Type I Barricades (A-Frame or Sawhorse Barricades)

Description: Lightweight wooden or plastic barriers with one reflective panel on the top rail.

Common Uses:

  • Minor road closures

  • Sidewalk or pedestrian detours

  • Parking lot closures

Placement Requirements:

  • Used for short-term or low-impact closures

  • Must be set up in a continuous line or staggered for maximum visibility

Type II Barricades

Description: Similar to Type I but with two reflective panels for increased visibility.

Common Uses:

  • Lane closures on local streets

  • Sidewalk closures near intersections

  • Blocking minor intersections

Placement Requirements:

  • Positioned to be visible from at least 200 feet away

  • Used in areas with moderate pedestrian or vehicular traffic

  • Must be anchored to prevent movement from wind or pedestrian impact

Type III Barricades

Description: Larger, more robust barriers with three horizontal reflective panels.

Common Uses:

  • Full road closures

  • Freeway or arterial lane closures

  • Events requiring emergency vehicle access control

Placement Requirements:

  • Placed at primary road closure points with "ROAD CLOSED" signage

  • Must be at least the full width of the roadway to prevent vehicles from passing through

  • Requires anchoring or sandbags in high-wind areas

Water-Filled Plastic Barriers

Description: Large, interlocking plastic barriers that can be filled with water for stability.

Common Uses:

  • High-traffic areas needing enhanced security

  • Protecting event perimeters from vehicle threats

  • Dividing lanes for pedestrian safety zones

Placement Requirements:

  • Must be filled with water before the event starts

  • Placed in a staggered formation for better impact absorption

  • Requires reflective striping or signage for nighttime visibility

Concrete Jersey Barriers

Description: Heavy-duty reinforced concrete barriers designed for vehicle impact resistance.
Common Uses:

  • Major road closures on highways or high-speed roads

  • Critical infrastructure protection

  • Events with high pedestrian traffic near roadways

Placement Requirements:

  • Requires professional installation with a crane or forklift

  • Must be set at least 10 feet apart for emergency vehicle access if needed

  • Not suitable for short-term closures due to weight and setup logistics

Traffic Cones & Delineators

Description: Flexible cones or posts with reflective surfaces for temporary traffic control.

Common Uses:

  • Temporary lane closures

  • Diverting vehicle or pedestrian flow

  • Marking hazardous areas

Placement Requirements:

  • Spaced every 10-15 feet for lane closures

  • Must include reflective tape for nighttime visibility

  • Should be accompanied by flashing lights in low-light conditions

Barricade Fencing (Pedestrian Barriers or Bike Rack Barricades)

Description: Metal or plastic interlocking barriers designed for pedestrian control.

Common Uses:

  • Separating pedestrian and vehicle zones

  • Managing crowd control near entertainment areas

  • Keeping restricted areas secure

Placement Requirements:

  • Must be interlocked to prevent gaps or movement

  • Should be reinforced with sandbags in windy conditions

  • Minimum height requirement of 42 inches for pedestrian safety