Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

G4-24: Direction Indicator Barricades (DIB)

DESCRIPTION:

A DIB displays an arrow with conventional diagonal reflective stripes in a single barricade unit. DIBs are placed in a series along a roadway to visually direct motorists through a transition taper into an adjacent lane. These devices can also be reversed to allow for inside and outside applications. To avoid the risk of flying debris from the barricade, DIBs fall flat and remain down when they are struck.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

These barricades provide better clarity for drivers when a lane is closed, ensuring the drivers know what changes have been made to the traffic pattern from a greater distance.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

Direction Indicator Barricades are very simple to install and remove. They provide clear channelization for drivers, reducing confusion over new traffic patterns.

MOST APPLICABLE LOCATION(S)/PROJECT(S):

Work zones that require changes to the standard traffic pattern are the most applicable locations for DIBs. DIBs are often used to accompany the tapered merge areas of work zones requiring a lane closure. The simple installation and removal makes them ideal for short-term work zones. DIBs should be crash tested as longitudinal channelizers per the AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

Colorado , Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, Virginia , Wisconsin

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Charles Meyer, Safety Traffic Engineering Branch Manager, Colorado DOT
Phone: (303) 757-9897
E−mail: charles.e.meyer@state.co.us