Choosing Between Concrete or Plastic Jersey Barriers

Jersey barriers were designed to minimize accidents. They are used to create traffic lanes and protect work sites. They are semi-permanent barriers that can indicate ramp or road closures. They are widely used on job sites for work zone safety, traffic redirection, and equipment protection.

Although concrete Jersey barriers have been used for decades, water-filled plastic containers offer a lightweight and portable alternative. When filled with water, the plastic jersey barriers can absorb the impact of a 4,400-pound vehicle. However, plastic water-filled barriers are not designed to deflect heavy trucks traveling at high speeds. Deciding on a barrier for a given implementation depends on the intended use, location, and budget.

Concrete vs. Water-Filled Jersey Barriers

To make a concrete barrier, cement is poured into molds and reinforced with steel. When set, the mold is removed, and the barriers are delivered to suppliers. Deploying a concrete barrier requires heavy machinery, as a single barrier can weigh between 1,000 to 5,000 pounds. Permanent installations may be constructed onsite.

Water-filled Jersey barriers are made from plastic with an internal framework for added strength. Unlike concrete barriers, plastic barriers vary in appearance depending on the manufacturer. Most containers are orange and white for higher visibility. Weighing less than 100 pounds, empty containers are easy to move, allowing for simple on-location configurations.

Barrier Uses

If you've ever traveled the Pacific Coast Highway, you understand why California was the impetus for concrete barriers. Fatalities mounted on California roadways as speeding drivers lost control and catapulted off cliffs. Concrete highway barriers became a permanent safety tool to reduce traffic deaths.

Concrete Barriers

Concrete barriers are ideal for permanent or semi-permanent installations. They can indicate a long-term road closure or prevent drivers from ignoring a bridge-out warning. Their ability to minimize serious injury under extreme conditions encouraged engineers to increase the height to prevent fuel tankers, 18-wheelers, and other heavy equipment from crashing through a work site or off the road.

However, installing concrete barriers is expensive. They require heavy equipment to lift and position each unit and transporting them may require special measures for carrying heavy loads. Heavy equipment operators and ground workers are also needed to help guide the units into place. Using concrete Jersey barriers for temporary or short-term implementations can quickly become cost prohibitive.

Plastic Barriers

In contrast to concrete barriers, plastic Jersey barriers are lightweight, require no special equipment to install, and are easier to transport than concrete barriers. When the interlocking units are filled with water, the plastic barriers provide a stable barricade for traffic or crowd control. They are used at airports to create buffer zones between cars and passengers.

When empty, they are easier to move, making them a great option for temporary setups. Plastic water-filled barriers are a cost-effective alternative, requiring no special staffing or equipment.

Plastic Jersey barriers support fence toppers such as SONCO's StrongFence 36, which extends the barrier height beyond the standard 32 inches. These accessories add security to perimeter deployments or work sites but are not recommended for use on traffic safety applications on roads or highways because the steel parts can be dangerous in high-speed traffic.

Barrier Locations

Location plays a role in selecting a jersey barrier. For example, will the barriers be in urban locations with high foot traffic? Will they be used as traffic control lanes on high-speed interstates? Answers to these questions can help determine the type of barrier to deploy.

Concrete Barriers

Concrete barriers have long been used to improve road safety, preventing vehicles from veering into ditches, medians, or work zones. They are also used near jobsites to manage traffic flow, separate vehicles from pedestrians, and block restricted areas.

While effective, concrete barriers can be difficult to relocate. For temporary setups or locations that require frequent adjustments, an alternative may be needed.

Plastic Barriers

Water-filled Jersey barriers, when installed properly, can absorb energy, reducing the impact of a collision. When placed on city streets, they can protect workers while reducing vehicle damage should a crash occur. Their low profile is suited to the lower speeds in residential areas.

They are easier to move and reposition, making them a practical choice for venues that need adaptable layouts.

Bright colors improve visibility for drivers and pedestrians, while durable plastic holds up against urban pollution and weather conditions. 

Budget Constraints

Financial limitations are usually a factor when assessing any barrier solution. However, the cost should be determined by the initial purchase, maintenance, logistics, and installation.

• Initial Purchase. Plastic barriers are less expensive than concrete ones, costing between $300 and $500 per barrier. Most concrete barriers cost way more than $500 per barrier.
• Logistics. Special equipment is required to move concrete barriers and to place them in storage. Plastic barriers are lightweight and stackable, making them easy to transport and store.
• Installation. Concrete barriers require special equipment and operators to install and secure a barrier. Plastic barriers require no special handling or expertise to install.
• Maintenance. While concrete is durable, it degrades over time. Cracks can appear, especially if water compromises the concrete, resulting in thawing and freezing water.

Plastic barriers are made from highly durable plastics that withstand harsh weather conditions. Even in colder climates, there are ways to prevent the water from freezing.

Which Barrier Works Best for Your Construction Site?

Answering these questions helps you pick the right barrier for your job site.

How Will the Barrier Be Used?

If the primary purpose is driver and worker safety at high speeds, concrete jersey barriers may be the appropriate option. They are designed to prevent vehicles from crossing into restricted areas or work zones to reduce fatalities. At lower speeds, plastic Jersey barriers can protect drivers, workers, and pedestrians with fewer injuries and less damage as they can absorb more energy.

Event venues or municipal buildings may use barriers for crowd control. If the buffer zone between car and foot traffic is permanent, concrete barriers may provide a deterrent for anyone trying to breach the barrier. However, plastic barriers can control crowds at private venues where the configuration depends on the events. They are less abrasive and highly visible to improve pedestrian and worker safety. 

Where Will the Jersey Barriers Be Located?

Location can dedicate the type of barrier. Some areas may not accommodate the heavy equipment and special handling for concrete barriers. If the barriers are temporary or semi-permanent, plastic solutions can be transported and installed using conventional methods. While some urban areas may require the blast or explosion protection of concrete, most are focused on crowd control.

Plastic barriers as individual units can be placed in various configurations to accommodate the diverse access points at public and private buildings. They can be quickly moved to regulate changes in egress and ingress locations.

Are There Budget Constraints?

Although durable, concrete barriers can chip and crack, weakening the barriers' ability to prevent compromises. The up-front costs for concrete barriers are high compared to plastic solutions. The barrier units are more expensive, and installation costs are high because of special handling requirements.

Plastic water-filled barriers have a lower initial purchase and installation cost. They are made from durable plastic that can withstand harsh environments such as urban pollution and extreme weather. Even in colder climates, preventive measures as outlined in SONCO's article can minimize the freezing potential.

Visiting SONCO's website for more information on plastic jersey barriers, fence toppers, and accessories can help determine if the solution has the flexibility to address the unique requirements of any application.