A traffic barricade[1] is a type of barricade used to control the flow of traffic or block access to an area, generally for safety purposes. Traditionally made of wood, or wood and steel, many now have structural members made wholly of plastic or composite materials, and may be fitted with flashing lights.
The obstruction that necessitates the use of a traffic barricade may be excavations, construction, roadblocks, debris, crime scenes, restricted areas, or other hazards.
Type I, II and III barricades are commonly used for road detours and closings where vehicles are present. A-frame barricades are more typically seen where pedestrian traffic control is needed or used on low speed roads.
In addition to the more traditional traffic barricades mentioned above, there are several other categories of barricades that get used regularly for traffic channelization, including Jersey barriers, traffic barrels, and vertical panels.[3] Depending on space and need, all of these categories are listed as acceptable barricade devices in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.[4]