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What are Channelizers

Channelizers are traffic safety products used to alert and direct traffic through roadwork or away from hazardous areas. They are often the orange plastic molded products that you see lined with reflective sheeting. Plastic channelizers are weighed down by a rubber base, varying in shape, size and function. Different channelizers are often used state to state, based on specific regulations. Additionally, all channelizing products are required to meet the guidelines of the Federal Highway Administration.

Types of Channelizers:

Traffic Drums

Channelizer Drums

In the event of roadwork being done in a high-speed area, you will usually see channelizer drums between the worksite and motorist activity. The size of these drums allows for the largest amount of reflective sheeting, making them easily visible to drivers maneuvering through the area. The flexibility of the drums allows them to easily snap back into shape when they take on any damage.

Vertical Panels

Vertical Panels

Vertical panels are used in a similar manner as barrels, but are seen more often when traffic is divided, when there is limited room, or when state guidelines specifically call for them.  They have become increasingly popular as an alternative to the larger channelizing drums since they are cheaper and easier to transport and store.

DelineatorsDelineators

Delineators are another type of channelizer used to guide vehicles through roadwork or hazardous areas. The tall slim design of delineators allows them to be effectively used between lanes of guided traffic, and easily stored.

  Channelizer Cones

Cones are more often used to channelize traffic in slower moving areas, or alongside smaller roadside projects. Generally cones come available in three sizes: 18 inches high, 28 inches or 36 inches and may sometimes include a handle at the top that makes placing and removing them from the roadway easy.

The Difference Between Channelizers, Barriers and Barricades

While channelizers are used to direct traffic, barriers and barricades are used more to restrict it. Barriers are large, heavy, wall-like structures that are used to physically protect workers from traffic.

The purpose of barricades is not to directly protect workers, but to alert drivers. On the road, Type I and Type II barricades are used in work zones while Type III barricades mark closings.

Although the types and uses of channelizers differs slightly between states, they all serve to alert traffic and protect drivers and workers.

View Channelizers at Traffic Safety Warehouse

Traffic Control Devices & Requirements

Traffic Control Devices

Using Appropriate Traffic Control Devices for Traffic Control

Traffic control devices are signs, signals or other marking devices which are used to regulate and guide traffic. They warn both cars and pedestrians of possible dangers on the street or highway. These devices are paramount for promoting highway safety and the efficient flow of traffic through construction or other dense traffic zones.

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is recognized as one of the most widely used standards for traffic control. If you are unsure whether your traffic control equipment is appropriate for the job, this document will help you with many of your questions.  The latest edition was just updated in May of 2012 and is available online in pdf form with a ‘hot links’ version to make finding answers to your questions even easier:

Traffic Control Device Manual

 

Manual on Uniform Trafic Control Devices
(Regular and Hot Links PDF Versions)

In this manual you will find best practice standards, traffic control marking, and requirements for traffic control equipment from regulatory signs and traffic barricades to safety fences and school crossing signs. There is very detailed information on colors, sizes and other requirements which you will find very useful.
Of course, if you have more questions, we invite you to call our staff and we can help you choose the appropriate traffic control devices for your project.  You can call us toll free at (877) 966-1018.