subject: How Traffic Cones Are Used on Streets, Highways, and in Buildings [print this page] How Traffic Cones Are Used on Streets, Highways, and in Buildings
If roadwork, such as fixing a gas line or minor construction, is next to a sidewalk or even extending out into the street, orange traffic cones surround the work area. These bright traffic safety devices, likely surrounded by a reflective strip, provide safety for the workers and for passing motorists or pedestrians. Forming a protective barrier, however, is not the only use for traffic cones. Any type of hazard inside a building, on a sidewalk, or on a street requires traffic cones.
A fluorescent orange color, traffic cones come in four sizes: 12, 18, 28, and 36 inches tall. Traffic cones, 18 inches or taller, are used on streets to indicate a detour or traffic hazard to motorists or pedestrians. Roadwork can continue into the evening, or road improvements to a major street or highway are done once traffic lessens. Because motorists may be passing such a work area at night, traffic cones are equipped with one or two reflective strips. According to the MUTCD, which specifies all standards for traffic control devices, traffic cones need to have at least one surrounding reflective strip to be visible at night.
If construction or roadwork is being done on a street, 28-inch orange traffic cones are put in place. The cones, weighted at the base, are placed around the work area, keeping workers inside at a distance from motorists. For drivers and pedestrians, the traffic control devices indicate a temporary change because of road work, and if a detour around the cones is necessary, signs or a worker will point drivers in a new direction.
28- and 36-inch cones are typically used for similar work on highways. Because motorists are likely moving faster on such roads, the traffic control devices need to be more visible. If more visibility is needed in these instances, larger traffic control devices, such as orange traffic barrels, bollards, or barriers, may be put up instead.
12- and 18-inch traffic cones have specific purposes and used generally in lower traffic areas. 18-inch cones are deployed on streets and highways where the road is being painted. 12-inch cones surround a hazard on a sidewalk or inside a building. If part of a sidewalk poses a significant danger to pedestrians, be it an exposed pipe, a missing grate, or large cracks in the pavement, 12-inch weighted traffic cones are placed around the area and remain until the damaged is fixed.
