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We searched ATSSA’s
2006 Traffic Expo for new traffic-safety products
Here are the ones that stood out.
Improved W-beam barrier
The new generic MGS Barrier System from Road
Systems, was designed to handle the increased number of larger and higher
center-of-gravity vehicles on the road today. It has a top rail height of 31
inches rather than 27.625 inches and a blockout of 12 inches rather than 8
inches. This added block width improves performance by raising the rail
height by 3 inches or more as the post is deflected, allowing the barrier to
contain and redirect the higher center-of-gravity vehicles. Also, rail
splices occur mid-span between posts rather than at the post. This helps
prevent wheel snag at the base of the post.
Click 93 on
Reader Inquiry card
Work-zone design system
At the show,
SignCad Systems introduced ConeZone, a
fully integrated and automated system for work-zone design and management.
ConeZone uses its patented Dynamic Arrangement Engine to select devices and
configurations from state-approved lists and standards, and then
automatically places them with GPS into the work zones so they can be
properly installed and mapped. This concept provides state DOTs and
municipalities with a development tool to design and install safer work
zones.
Using additional SignCad modules, ConeZone becomes a
Web-based suite of integrated applications that allows agencies throughout
the state to have their traffic control plans automatically written and
coordinated with other work-zone activities. In addition, the system runs
simulations to test for mobility and safety; generates work orders for the
DOT, municipalities, and contractors; keeps work-zone standards and approved
devices current for all users via its Web repository; automatically
documents work-zone activity including permits, inspections, and incidents
via Web interface; and inventories, tracks, and manages all objects and
devices in the field.
Click 89 on
Reader Inquiry card
Sand barrel/crash cushion
 Plastic Safety Systems unveiled their new CrashGard
sand barrel at ATSSA. The durable, blow-molded barrel weighs only 38 pounds
when empty; inserts weigh 6 pounds, and lids weigh 7 pounds. When filled
with sand, the barrel accommodates all weight requirements. With the insert
in place, the barrel can range in weight from 200 to 700 pounds; without the
insert, weights can range from 1,400 to 2,100 pounds. This eliminates the
need to stock different size barrels. Barrels nest easily within each other
for convenient storage and are UV and color stabilized to resist fading. The
square-bottom design of the barrel accommodates a forklift. The barrels are
still undergoing testing and will be available this summer.
Click 78 on
Reader Inquiry card
Flashing flagger paddles
 The new Visual-Alert flagger paddles that USA-Sign
introduced at ATSSA offer flashing LEDs with 3M reflective sign materials to
get the attention of approaching traffic. The 18- or 24-inch paddles are
available as paddle only or with a removable support staff. Staffs are
available in 72 and 84 inches and accept both paddle sizes. The solid-state
circuitry operates in all weather conditions from -40 to 130 degrees
Fahrenheit.
Click 96 on
Reader Inquiry card
Channelizer post and curb
 Davidson Traffic Control Products, a division of Filtrona Extrusion, won the innovation award at ATSSA for their new
Interstate Grade FG 300 Curb System designed for use on high-speed
interstates. The median separation system provides channelization of traffic
on freeways, tollways, city streets, and at-grade rail-highway crossings.
The radial rib structure provides more than 10,000 pounds of crush strength.
The curb system includes Flexi-Guide FG 300 EFX
channelizer posts that are made of polyurethane combined with a unique alloy
of engineering polymers to provide durability, low maintenance, and good
visibility. The posts install using a quick-pin system, have a self-righting
T-shaped design, support a 4- by 22-inch or 3- by 39-inch vertical panel, and are available in
bright colors such as florescent orange and florescent yellow-lime green.
Click 94 on
Reader Inquiry card
Fully
illuminated flagger paddles
 The
new Light For Life Signs flagger paddles caught our attention at the show.
According to the company, they are unlike any other traffic-control sign on
the market today. The two-sided signs can be seen by all approaching traffic
in any weather condition due to ultra-bright LED's that illuminate the words
Stop and Slow. The signs are visible for up to 1 mile at night
in low- and no-light situations. The handheld or stand-mounted
battery-powered signs are programmable, lightweight, and durable. The signs
feature a quick-change battery module and a telescoping handle for sturdy
base support, and can be mounted on any vehicle with a quick-release arm
that holds the sign securely.
Click 95 on
Reader Inquiry card
All-weather markings
 A new line of all-weather markings from
3M,
featuring their new wet reflective technology, provides reflectivity on
roadways under wet or dry conditions. The Stamark High Performance Wet
Reflective Tape Series 380WR ES is a durable marking with extended season
application advantages, designed for long-term road presence and well suited
for new surfaces. The All Weather Paint is a matched component system
consisting of high-build waterborne paint and both wet and dry reflective
elements. According to the company, the reflective beads maintain their
reflectivity in a downpour.
Click 99 on
Reader Inquiry card
Stripe removal system
Waterblasting Technologies added a new model to
their stripe removal system line by introducing the Stripe Hog 8000. The new
model features a larger water storage tank, a patent-pending double blasting
head that can remove two lines in one pass, a 12-gallon per minute 40,000 psi pump, in-cab joystick control, and a dual steering option.
Click 52 on
Reader Inquiry card
Peel-n-stick material
A new peel-n-stick material from Professional
Pavement Products creates an immediate bond that adheres to concrete,
asphalt, metal, wood, and plastic. The product adheres in all climates, can
be installed year round, and is available in preformed sizes.
Click 83 on
Reader Inquiry card
Faster beading applications
 The new Speedbeader from
Potters Industries is a
highway safety marking sphere dispenser that can be used at speeds in excess
of 8 miles per hour, reducing time, labor, and costs. Other benefits include
better glass bead distribution with reduced bead roll; a one-adjustment knob
that enables the operator to calibrate bead flow; a universal mounting
bracket; a standard chute nozzle that accommodates up to 6-inch widths; a
universal piston that is compatible with double- and single-acting
solenoids; and a removable protective cover that prevents overspray.
Click 97 on
Reader Inquiry card
Reshape drums
 The pneumatic Drum Doctor from Mechanical Advantage
can repair channelizer drums on site with less effort than their manual
version that was introduced a year ago. The unit is portable and mounts to
the back of any vehicle with a standard 2-inch hitch. Power for the unit is
provided by an air compressor.
Operation can be performed by one person. Just place
a drum on the unit, press downward, and a pair of arms expands against the
inside of the drum to pop out the dents. The drum can then be rotated and
the process repeated until repair is achieved.
Click 91 on
Reader Inquiry card
Barrel hoist
 Plastic Safety Systems made moving sand-filled
barrels easy with their new CrashGard Hoist. The 180-pound steel hoist can
be attached to a front-end loader for use.
The simple scissor action of the
hoist clamps and unclamps easily from any sand barrel, and can be operated
by one man.
Click 79 on
Reader Inquiry card
Portable steel barrier
 Barrier Systems announced their new portable
work-zone barrier at the Traffic Expo. The BarrierGuard 800 is a steel
safety barrier that can be used in work zones or as a permanent
installation. As much as 600 feet of barrier can be delivered to a jobsite
in one truck load. According to the manufacturer, a crew of three can
install up to 1,000 feet per hour because of its QuickMount connection
system, which uses only one bolt. The barrier has very low deflection and
vehicle exit angles following impact and can be moved easily within the work
zone.
Click 92 on
Reader Inquiry card
Multi-purpose channelizer
Advanced Construction Products’ new Multicade is a
lightweight, one-piece unit that can be used as a drum, cone, barricade,
flat panel, or any other type of channelizing device. The 9-pound device
tri-folds down to 3-inches thick, for easy storage and handling. As many as
75 units can fit in the back of a pickup truck and for transport to a work
site. Lights, signs, caution tape, and two types of standard ballasting can
be added. The product can also be purchased with three different types of
reflective tape. It has been NCHRP350 crash test approved and accepted by
the MUTCD.
Click 90 on
Reader Inquiry card
Cool-weather traffic paint
Rohm and Haas introduced their new traffic paint at
ATSSA. This acrylic emulsion resin can be applied at cooler temperatures,
extending the striping season for contractors and DOTs. Rhoplex Fastrack XSR,
which stands for eXtended Seasonal Range, provides good durability and dry
time on the road. Paints based on this resin also offer good adhesion to
oily surfaces and to crack seal material. The pictures below show the
difference in wear between two sets of painted stripes: XSR paint was used
on the left and another striping paint on the right.
Click 98 on
Reader Inquiry card
Reprinted from Better Roads Magazine
May 2006 |
