Type I vs. Type II Barricades: A Practical Guide for Temporary Traffic Control

Temporary traffic control is often judged by what drivers see in the final few seconds before a lane shift, closure, work area, or restricted entrance. A folding barricade can make that message more visible, but choosing between Type I and Type II styles requires more than counting rails. The right choice depends on the traffic control plan, approach speed, viewing conditions, available space, handling needs, and the requirements of the agency or property responsible for the site.

What Type I and Type II mean

The Federal Highway Administration’s current Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition with Revision 1, is the national reference for traffic control devices on streets, highways, and site roadways open to public travel. Its temporary traffic control guidance illustrates Type I and Type II barricades as related devices with different rail configurations. Type I is generally recognized by one striped rail, while Type II uses two striped rails.

That distinction helps identify a device, but it does not by itself determine where the device should be used. The complete setup must follow an approved traffic control plan and the applicable federal, state, local, or facility requirements. The MUTCD Part 6 temporary traffic control guidance should be reviewed together with project specifications and agency direction. A product description should never replace engineering judgment or job-specific approval.

Where folding barricades can be useful

• Road and utility work: identifying temporary restrictions, work-space boundaries, or changing travel paths within a planned traffic control zone.
• Parking facilities: closing a drive aisle, reserving a maintenance area, or directing drivers away from a temporary hazard.
• Warehouses and industrial sites: separating vehicles from cleaning, repair, loading, or equipment-service activities.
• Events and campuses: guiding vehicles at temporary entrances, service routes, pickup areas, or controlled-access points.
• Property maintenance: marking pavement repairs, landscaping work, overhead service, or short-duration contractor activity.

For any location open to public travel, the responsible authority should determine the appropriate device, placement, spacing, signs, lighting, and any other traffic control measures. On private property, the same disciplined planning helps make the message understandable and reduces conflicting directions.

Type I or Type II: how to make the choice

A Type I barricade can suit applications where a compact, highly portable device is needed and the traffic control plan calls for a single rail. A Type II barricade adds a second striped rail, increasing the visible marked area and giving the device a more substantial visual presence. More surface area, however, is not a substitute for correct positioning, adequate sight distance, or a clear message.

Before selecting either style, answer these practical questions:

1. Who will approach the device? Consider passenger vehicles, trucks, forklifts, cyclists, and pedestrians rather than planning for only one user.
2. How early must it be recognized? Approach speed, curves, grades, parked vehicles, equipment, darkness, and weather can all affect visibility.
3. What action should the road user take? A barricade should support an obvious instruction—stop, pass on a particular side, change lanes, or avoid an area.
4. Will the location remain accessible? Do not create an unexpected obstacle in a pedestrian route, doorway, emergency path, or accessible circulation area.
5. How will the device stay stable? Review the manufacturer’s setup instructions and the site plan. Do not improvise ballast or attach items that could create a new hazard.
6. How often will it be moved? Crews that deploy and recover devices repeatedly need a manageable weight, compact storage profile, and a simple inspection routine.
7. Who has final authority? Public-road projects and many contracted sites require approval by an agency, engineer, or traffic control supervisor.

Materials, portability, and current product specifications

The OranLite Type I/Type II US Foldable Barricade is made from high-impact plastic with an orange body and reflective striped rail surfaces. Plastic construction avoids the rust associated with untreated metal and can simplify handling in wet outdoor environments. The folding frame is intended to reduce storage space in service vehicles, maintenance rooms, and equipment trailers.

According to the current OranLite product listing, both configurations use a 24-inch-wide rail and a folding frame. The listed Type I model weighs 16 pounds and uses one 8-inch reflective rail; the listed Type II model weighs 17 pounds and uses two 8-inch reflective rails. The listing shows a 37.5-inch expanded footprint width and a 41-inch expanded height. Buyers should review the latest product drawing and specifications before ordering, because project requirements can be more detailed than a general product description.

Placement matters as much as the device

A barricade should be visible before a driver reaches the decision point. Check the approach from normal driver eye height and from every direction that can enter the area. Avoid placing the device immediately after a blind corner, behind parked vehicles, or where sunlight, glare, shadows, or work lighting can obscure the striped face.

The striped rail should face approaching traffic. If road users are expected to pass on a particular side, the complete traffic control arrangement—including signs, markings, channelizing devices, and rail orientation—should communicate one consistent path. Do not rely on a barricade alone when a closure or diversion needs advance warning.

Pedestrian routes deserve the same review. Keep walking paths continuous and understandable, preserve required accessible widths and surfaces, and prevent barricade feet or rails from becoming unexpected protrusions. If a work activity affects an accessible route, the responsible project team should provide an appropriate temporary route rather than forcing pedestrians into vehicle traffic.

A simple inspection routine

Inspect folding barricades before deployment, after relocation, and after any reported impact. A useful checklist includes:

• reflective rail faces are present, clean, and not deeply scratched or peeling;
• rails, hinges, legs, and locking features are not cracked, bent, or loose;
• the frame opens fully and stands as intended on the actual surface;
• no unauthorized signs, tape, cords, lights, or weights have been attached;
• the device remains correctly oriented after wind, traffic, or work activity;
• the planned vehicle and pedestrian paths remain open and unambiguous.

Dirty or damaged retroreflective surfaces can reduce nighttime conspicuity. Clean devices according to the manufacturer’s instructions and remove damaged units from service until they are repaired or replaced.

Who should consider folding barricades?

Road contractors, utility crews, parking operators, property managers, warehouses, schools, campuses, event teams, municipalities, and facility-maintenance departments can all benefit from portable barricades when they are integrated into a clear control plan. The most useful purchasing decision considers not only the initial device, but also storage, transport, inspection, replacement parts, and the team responsible for deployment.

Plan the application before ordering

Start with the site and the traffic control plan, then select the device. Confirm the intended Type I or Type II configuration, required rail dimensions and sheeting, placement, pedestrian needs, wind exposure, storage space, and any agency-specific acceptance or crashworthiness requirements.

Review the current specifications, product images, and availability for the OranLite Type I/Type II US Foldable Barricade. For project quantities or application questions, contact OranLite with the roadway or facility type, expected traffic conditions, and the requirements provided by the responsible authority.