Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

G4-25: Detectable Pedestrian Barricades

DESCRIPTION:

Detectable Pedestrian Barricades are lightweight interlocking devices that are designed for temporary use in work zones to provide separation between work zone activity areas and accessible pedestrian routes adjacent to the activity area. They may also be used for delineating accessible pedestrian detour routes. They are compliant with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements; they are approximately waist height and have no protrusions or other tripping hazards on the exterior side, they have continuous guides along the base compatible with cane users, and also provide a smooth continuous hand rail near the top surface.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

These barricades are useful for guiding pedestrians around work zones, ensuring they will not accidentally walk into a restricted or unsafe area. Accommodating pedestrian routes around work zones can involve complex phasing which is facilitated by temporary barricades that are easily relocated for different project stages.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

Detectable Pedestrian Barricades are specially designed to be detectable even by visually impaired pedestrians using canes to assist navigation, ensuring they remain safe when walking near work zones. They are also sturdy enough to be bumped into by pedestrians without falling over or allowing the pedestrian to accidentally enter the work zone.

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

Work zones that are adjacent to or within areas frequented by pedestrians, such as sidewalks, are the most applicable locations for these barricades. Locations with little to no pedestrian traffic may be better served with a different type of barricade.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

California , Delaware, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Samir Ead, Construction Safety Coordinator, Caltrans
Phone: (916) 654-4580
E−mail: Samir.ead@dot.ca.gov