In the world of road safety, there are two main contenders: The Red/White Water-Filled Plastic Barrier and the Grey Concrete Jersey Barrier.
Clients often ask: “Which one should I use?” The answer is about Duration and Risk.
The Water-Filled Barrier (Plastic)
- Pros: Lightweight (when empty), easy to move by hand, high visibility colors.
- Cons: Fragile. If a car hits it, it bursts. It relies on water weight to stop a car (which is often insufficient for high speeds).
- Best For: Events, short-term maintenance (less than 48 hours), pedestrian guidance, indoor parking.
The Concrete Jersey Barrier
- Pros: Indestructible. Stops trucks. Zero maintenance. No one can steal it or move it by hand.
- Cons: Heavy. Requires a crane truck to move.
- Best For: Construction sites, highway diversions, long-term perimeter security, hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM).
The “Leaking” Problem
The biggest issue with plastic barriers in the UAE is the heat. The plastic heats up, expands, and cracks. The water evaporates or leaks out. A water-filled barrier without water is just a balloon. It offers ZERO safety protection. If a car hits it, it flies into the workers behind it.
Concrete never leaks. It is always heavy. It is always safe.
The Rule of Thumb
- Is the project < 1 week? Use Plastic.
- Is the project > 1 month? Use Concrete.
Don’t gamble with safety. Choose the right barrier for the timeline.
