|
Overview
Today's savvy buyer of traffic control products favors recycled content. From delineators, channelizers, object markers, cones and barricades (traffic control devices), products containing up to 100% recycled content are widely available. These products manufactured from recycled materials feature high quality and durability at a cost that is competitive with products made from non-recycled (virgin) materials.
Performance
Transportation products containing recovered materials must conform to the California Manual on Uniform Highway Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) and with the approved standard specifications used by the Sate of California, as well as other applicable requirements and specifications. The traffic control devices listed in 'Table A' are tested by the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and they are included in Caltrans' "Prequalified and Tested Signing and Delineation Materials" list. When consumers buy products, it is recommended that they consider cross-checking to determine whether the product listed in 'Table A' is also listed within Caltrans Standard Special Provisions (SSP) "Prequalified and Tested Signing and Delineation Materials."
Experience has shown that transportation products made with recycled materials are sturdy and durable. Many of these products have multi-year warranties. Some recycled products are also easier to install than the products they replace.
The recycled products have been found to deliver high performance and often reduce installation and maintenance costs.
Availability
Recycled-content transportation products can be purchased through supply catalogs, local distributors, or directly from the manufacturer.
Cost
Costs of transportation products made with recycled material are competitive with those made from non-recycled (virgin) materials. For several products, the advantages are three-fold: recycled materials substitutes for a less durable material, requires less maintenance, and provides a longer service life.
Traffic Cones
Traffic cones may be used to channelize road users, divide opposing vehicular traffic lanes, divide lanes when two or more lanes are kept open in the same direction, and delineate short duration maintenance and utility work (for more detail see Section 6F.59 of CA MUTCD).
Barricades
Traffic barricades are used to control road users by closing, restricting, or delineating all or a portion of the right-of-way. Barricades can be made from wood, steel, plastic or a combination of these materials. Many manufacturers have switched to the use of recycled plastic materials. Recycled plastic barricades have worked quite well, they do not rust or corrode. They do not become potential projectile when hit, and they are light in weight and easy to handle.
Barricades are classified as Type I, Type II, or Type III (see Section 6F.63 Type I, II, or III Barricades of CA MUTCD for more detail).
Delineator and Channelizer
The function of channelizing devices is to warn road users of conditions created by work activities in or near the roadway and to guide road users. Channelizing devices include cones, tubular markers, vertical panels, drums, barricades, and temporary raised islands.
Channelizing devices provide for smooth and gradual vehicular traffic flow from one lane to another, onto a bypass or detour, or into a narrower traveled way. They are also used to separate vehicular traffic from the work space, pavement drop-offs, pedestrian or shared-use paths, or opposing directions of vehicular traffic. Delineators may be used in Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) zones to indicate the alignment of the roadway and to outline the required vehicle path through the TTC zone.
Channelizing devices should be constructed and ballasted to perform in a predictable manner when inadvertently struck by a vehicle. Channelizing devices should be crashworthy. Fragments or other debris from the device or the ballast should not pose a significant hazard to road users or workers. |
