Construction sites near roadways present unique safety challenges. Without proper barriers, passing vehicles and pedestrians face serious risks, while your workers remain vulnerable to traffic hazards. Selecting the right roadside barriers isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting lives and property.
At Lennex, we’ve helped countless construction companies across the GTA, Ottawa, and Montreal secure their roadside work zones. Based on our experience, here are five critical factors you must consider when choosing temporary roadside barriers for your next project.
1. Understand Your Safety Requirements First
Before selecting any barrier system, identify what safety needs you’re addressing. Are you:
- Protecting pedestrians from falling into excavation sites?
- Preventing vehicles from entering work zones?
- Creating a visual barrier to reduce driver distraction?
- Managing traffic flow around your construction area?
Different scenarios demand different solutions. For high-speed roads, sturdy concrete barriers might be essential. For lower-risk areas, temporary fence panels with high-visibility mesh might suffice.
The Construction Safety Association recommends conducting a thorough risk assessment of your site before selecting barrier systems. This assessment should factor in traffic speed, proximity of workers to traffic, duration of work, and pedestrian access needs.
Remember: inadequate protection isn’t just dangerous—it can result in significant liability issues and project delays.
2. Know Your Barrier Options
Not all roadside barriers are created equal. Each type serves specific purposes:
Temporary Fence Panels
Our temporary fence panels are perfect for:
- Creating visual barriers
- Defining work zones
- Controlling pedestrian access
- Lightweight applications where heavy vehicle impacts aren’t a concern
These fences can be quickly deployed and reconfigured as your work progresses. With high-visibility options available, they also serve as effective warning systems for approaching drivers.
Concrete Jersey Barriers
These heavyweight options provide serious protection against vehicle intrusion and are typically used when:
- Working in high-speed traffic areas
- Deep excavations pose serious fall hazards
- Long-term protection is needed
- Creating physical separation between active traffic and workers is essential
Water-Filled Plastic Barriers
These versatile barriers offer a middle ground:
- Lightweight when empty for easy transport
- Significant mass when filled with water
- Can be emptied and relocated as needed
- Available in high-visibility colors
According to the Federal Highway Administration, proper barrier selection can reduce work zone accidents by up to 70%.
3. Consider Weather and Environmental Factors
The Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, and Montreal all experience challenging weather conditions that can impact your barrier effectiveness:
Winter Considerations:
- Will snow removal equipment need to navigate around your barriers?
- Can your barriers withstand snow loads and ice?
- Will freeze-thaw cycles affect stability?
Wind Exposure:
- High-profile barriers can act like sails in strong winds
- Temporary fencing may require additional bracing in exposed areas
- Some sites may need wind-load calculations
Rain and Drainage:
- Will your barrier placement affect water runoff?
- Could water pooling create additional hazards?
- Will muddy conditions affect barrier stability?
One construction manager we worked with in Ottawa learned this lesson the hard way when strong winds knocked over inadequately secured fence panels, causing a traffic incident that delayed the project by three days.
4. Calculate Total Project Costs Accurately
When budgeting for roadside barriers, look beyond the initial rental or purchase price:
Installation Costs:
- Labor hours required for setup
- Equipment needed for placement (especially for heavy barriers)
- Site preparation requirements
Maintenance Requirements:
- Regular inspections needed
- Replacement of damaged sections
- Repositioning as work progresses
Removal and Transportation:
- Costs for dismantling
- Transportation back to the supplier
- Site restoration requirements
Rental Duration:
- Daily vs. weekly vs. monthly rates
- Minimum rental periods
- Extension options
At Lennex, we offer transparent pricing on all our temporary fence rental options. Our team can help you calculate the most cost-effective solution for your specific project duration.
The Construction Management Association of America suggests that proper planning for temporary structures like barriers can reduce overall project costs by up to 5% by preventing delays and safety incidents.
5. Ensure Regulatory Compliance
Failing to meet local regulations for roadside work zones can result in costly fines and project shutdowns. Requirements vary by location, but you should always verify:
Municipal Requirements:
- Permit needs for roadside work
- Specific barrier types are required for certain road classifications
- Minimum distances from traffic
- Signage requirements
Provincial Standards:
- Ontario Traffic Manual Book 7 requirements
- Quebec road safety regulations
- Specific reflectivity standards
- Barrier certification requirements
Industry Standards:
- Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code provisions
- CSA Group safety standards
- Transportation Association of Canada guidelines
For projects in the GTA, check the City of Toronto’s Street Occupation Permits requirements. Similar information is available from Ottawa and Montreal municipal websites.
We recommend consulting with safety experts before finalizing your barrier plan. Our team at Lennex can help navigate these requirements based on your specific service area.
Making Your Final Decision
When selecting roadside barriers for your construction project, balance these considerations:
- Safety first: Never compromise on protection for workers and the public
- Practical deployment: Choose barriers you can efficiently install and manage
- Cost-effectiveness: Consider the total project lifecycle costs
- Compliance: Ensure all regulatory requirements are met
- Flexibility: Select options that can adapt as your project evolves
For most construction sites near roadways, a combination of barrier types often provides the best solution. Our product line includes various options that can be customized to your specific needs.
Need Help Selecting the Right Roadside Barriers?
At Lennex, we specialize in temporary fence solutions that help construction companies maintain safe, compliant work sites. Our team serves the entire GTA, Ottawa, and Montreal regions with quick delivery and setup options.
Whether you need barriers for a small roadside repair or a major highway construction project, we can help you select the right option for your specific requirements.
Contact us today at (416) 939-3122 or email sa***@****ex.ca to discuss your roadside barrier needs. Our team can provide a free consultation and quote for your specific project requirements.
Visit our pick-up locations page to find the depot nearest to your construction site for even faster service.
Remember, the right barriers don’t just protect people—they protect your project timeline and budget too!