How to Make a Traffic Control Barrier
Creating a traffic control barrier is a relatively simple project. The device can be used by law enforcement, by a private property owner or in a commercial capacity. An three-piece, A-frame-style barrier can be assembled in seconds. The design is referred to as an "A-frame" because each side support is in the shape of a capital "A." The design uses two A-frames and one cross rail. The cross rail is placed in between the triangle slots of each A-frame, creating a very solid traffic control barrier.
-
Cut 2-inch-by-6-inch-by-8-foot wood boards to create four, approximately 36-inch long A-frame legs. Form an angle of about 15 degrees at the top of each leg. Cut each leg so that a large amount of its base touches ground.
-
Join two legs at their top with exterior wood screws to form the top of an "A." Use enough screws to secure the legs to one another properly. Embed the screws completely in the wood so that the head of each screw is at least flush with the wood. Repeat the procedure using the other two legs.
-
Cut one cross beam for each A-frame to size out of 2-inch-by-6-inch-by-8-foot lumber. Each piece will extend from the middle of one leg to the middle of its paired leg. Cut a 2-inch-by-2-inch slot in the middle of each cross beam; a cross rail will rest in the slots. Secure each cross beam to the outside of a pair of A-frame legs with exterior wood screws.
-
Cut a 6-foot-long section from 2-inch-by-6-inch-by-8-foot lumber. Place the wood in the middle of each A-frame to check how well it works as a cross rail. Ensure that it fits inside the slot you cut in each A-frame's cross beam. If an end doesn't fit, create a wider slot on the A-frame using a saw so that the cross rail slides in easily.
-
Paint all sections of the traffic control barrier with weather-resistant, brightly colored, reflective paint. Apply at least two coats of paint, waiting between coats for the paint to dry.
References
Tips
- Place the traffic control barrier in an area that is well-lit when it is in use.
- The three-piece, A-frame traffic control barrier can be assembled and disassembled easily and stored by separating the cross rail from the A-frames.
- Use proper signs with a traffic control barrier. Including a detour sign directs people to an alternate route. Allow space for other signs to be used in conjunction with the traffic control barrier.
Writer Bio
Geoffrey Rejent holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Marist College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. and a master's degree in administrative science from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck/Hackensack, N.J. He specializes in topics related to personal finance, home improvement, politics and sports.
Photo Credits
- Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
More Articles
