Types of Barricades: 10 Options and When to Use Each

1. Pedestrian Barricades

Pedestrian barricades are designed for crowd control wherever large numbers of people gather. Concerts, sporting events, festivals, parades and public demonstrations are all common applications. 

They're lightweight, interlocking and easy to reposition as crowd dynamics change. Most connect end to end to form a continuous barrier line of any length, and swing gates can be added at access points for controlled entry and exit. 

1.1 Bridge Feet Barricades

Bridge feet barricades have feet on both ends rather than a flat base, giving them greater stability on uneven ground. This makes them the preferred choice for outdoor events where the terrain is unpredictable, such as concerts, fairs, festivals and sporting events held on grass or gravel.

Like most pedestrian barricades, bridge feet barricades interlock end to end to form a continuous barrier line of any length and are compatible with swing gates for controlled access points.

1.2 Flat Feet Barricades

Flat fleet barricades perform best on hard, flat surfaces like pavement, concrete floors and indoor venues. They feature interlocking hooks on both ends to connect into a continuous barrier line of any length.

1.3 Barricade Swing Gates

Barricade swing gates are designed to work alongside interlocking barricade systems, providing controlled access points without breaking the barrier line. Without a gate, creating an opening in an interlocking barricade setup requires dismantling part of the line, which is disruptive and time consuming.

Worker gates, vehicle gates and machinery gates are the most common types, each sized for their specific purpose. For any setup where people or vehicles need to move in and out of a controlled area regularly, a swing gate is an essential addition to the barricade system. 

2. Traffic Barricades

Traffic barricades are used to stop, direct or reroute vehicle traffic and cordon off dangerous areas. Under MUTCD guidelines they are classified into three types based on size, visibility and application.

2.1 Type I Traffic Barricades

Type I traffic barricades are the smallest and lightest option, used for low speed environments like parking lots and pedestrian areas. They feature one reflective rail and are typically used for short term daytime applications.

2.2 Type II Traffic Barricades

Type II traffic barricades are larger and more visible than Type I, with two reflective rails. They are commonly used for roadway work zones and nighttime applications where higher visibility is needed.

2.3 Type III Traffic Barricades

Type III traffic barricades are the largest and most visible of the three, with three reflective rails. They are used for road closures, detours and high speed environments where maximum visibility is essential.

3. Expanding Length Barricades

Expanding and retracting barricades are a versatile option for situations where the required barrier length or angle changes frequently. Using intuitive pull levers, they can be extended or retracted quickly without tools, making them ideal for fast deployment and compact storage.

They work well for cordoning off cleaning areas, maintenance zones, factory floors and construction sites where the perimeter needs to be adjusted regularly throughout the day. 

4. A-frame Barricades

A-frame barricades are shaped like a triangular sawhorse with a reflective plank across the middle. Their wide, stable base makes them well suited for flat, even surfaces like construction sites, parking lots and pedestrian walkways.

They are lightweight, easy to set up and highly visible thanks to the reflective tape on the crossbar. A-frame barricades are a common choice for short term road work, utility maintenance and sidewalk closures.

5. Jersey Barriers

Jersey barriers are heavy duty plastic or concrete barriers used to separate lanes of traffic and protect workers in active construction zones. Their distinctive profile is designed to redirect vehicles on impact, minimizing damage and reducing the risk of vehicles crossing into restricted areas.

Plastic jersey barriers are typically filled with water or sand on site to add weight and stability. The heavier the barrier, the better it absorbs and redirects vehicle impact.

Concrete jersey barriers are used for permanent or long term installations where maximum protection is required. 

6. Plastic Barricades

Plastic barricades are a lightweight, versatile option for situations that require quick deployment and easy transport. Like jersey barriers, they can be filled with water or sand to increase stability and impact resistance when needed.

They are available in a variety of colors, making them a popular choice for branded event setups, sports venues and retail environments where aesthetics matter alongside safety. Many plastic barricades also feature display panels that can be used for advertising or event signage. 

7. Vinyl Event Fencing

Vinyl event fencing is designed for situations where aesthetics matter as much as crowd control. Unlike standard barricades, vinyl fencing creates defined areas at events while blending naturally into the surroundings.

Common applications include outdoor weddings, festivals, corporate events and venue perimeters where a clean, professional appearance is a priority. The legs swivel to accommodate uneven ground, making it a practical choice for outdoor settings where the terrain isn't perfectly flat. 

8. Concert and Stage Barricades

Concert and stage barricades, also known as mojo barriers, are specifically engineered for live events where sustained crowd pressure against a stage is expected. Their angled base deflects crowd force downward rather than absorbing it directly, reducing the risk of the barrier toppling under load.

They create a buffer zone in front of the stage where security personnel can operate safely, and are a standard requirement at music festivals, stadium concerts and large scale live events.

9. Traffic Barrels

Traffic barrels, also called channelizer drums, are the heavy duty alternative to traffic cones. Their larger size and greater visibility make them the preferred choice for busy roads and high speed environments where standard cones might go unnoticed.

Most traffic barrels feature a weighted rubber base that keeps them stable in high winds and inclement weather. They also have a top mount for attaching reflective devices or blinking lights, making them highly effective for nighttime work zone applications. 

10. Traffic Cones

Traffic cones are the most recognizable and widely used barricade type. Lightweight, stackable and universally understood, they are the fastest way to mark a temporary boundary, redirect foot traffic or indicate a hazard.

Common applications include marking potholes, setting up drop-off zones, delineating parking areas and creating temporary boundaries at events. Their portability makes them easy to store and transport, fitting multiple cones in the trunk of a standard vehicle.

The main limitation of traffic cones is stability. Strong winds can knock them over and they offer no physical resistance to vehicles or determined pedestrians. For situations requiring more than a visual signal, a heavier barricade type is recommended.