Interwest Safety Supply, LLC

A temporary construction barricade with reflective lights

Temporary vs. Permanent Traffic Control Products: When to Use Each

Traffic control products are vital for any road construction project or intersection, for the safety of drivers, workers, and pedestrians. But there are times when you need to decide whether to use temporary or permanent traffic control products. We’ll cover the distinction between the two and when to use each one. 

What Is the Difference Between Temporary and Permanent Traffic Control Products?

The distinction between temporary and permanent traffic control solutions lies primarily in their intended duration of use, design, and purpose. 

Here’s a breakdown.

Temporary Traffic Control Solutions

Temporary traffic control products are designed for short-term use and are typically used in dynamic, changing environments. Their purpose is to promote safety and efficiency during transitional periods, such as construction projects, road repairs, or special events.

Key Characteristics:

  • Short-Term Use: Designed to be installed and removed quickly
  • Portable: Lightweight and easy to transport
  • Adaptability: Can be adjusted to suit varying conditions or site changes
  • Examples: Traffic cones, barricades, temporary traffic control signs, and reflective tape

Common Applications:

  • Work zones or construction sites
  • Temporary lane closures or detours
  • Event crowd control or temporary parking arrangements

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros: Cost-effective, flexible, and quick to deploy
  • Cons: Less durable, may not withstand extreme weather or prolonged use

Permanent Traffic Control Solutions

A permanent barrier on the side of the road

Permanent traffic control products are intended for long-term use and are integrated into the infrastructure to manage traffic consistently and reliably over time. These products are typically used in fixed locations, such as intersections, highways, or school zones.

Key Characteristics:

  • Long-Term Use: Built to remain in place for years or decades
  • Durability: Made from robust materials that can endure weather and heavy use
  • Static Placement: Installed in a fixed location and generally not moved or altered
  • Examples: Permanent road signs, traffic lights, impact attenuators, bollards, and permanent barriers

Common Applications:

  • Intersections or pedestrian crossings
  • Permanent road markings or regulatory signs
  • Safety barriers along highways or bridges

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros: Reliable, low maintenance, and withstands environmental stress
  • Cons: Higher upfront cost, less flexibility, and more complex installation

When to Choose Temporary and Permanent Solutions

What you choose depends on factors such as the duration of the road construction project, environmental conditions, safety requirements, and budget. But here are a couple examples of when to choose temporary or permanent traffic control products.

When to Choose Temporary Traffic Control Products

A temporary traffic sign in a construction site

During road construction and maintenance, products like portable temporary traffic control signs, barricades, and traffic cones are used to manage lane closures and adapt as work progresses. Similarly, special events such as parades or festivals rely on temporary fencing and signage to redirect traffic and manage crowds effectively. 

In emergencies, reflective barriers and portable LED message boards help quickly reroute vehicles around accident sites or hazardous areas. Temporary detours for bridge closures or repairs utilize detour signs and barricades to manage traffic flow, while seasonal changes like snow or floods may require sandbags and temporary markers to address weather-related hazards.

When to Choose Permanent Traffic Control Products

Highways and intersections rely on traffic lights, and permanent road signs like yield and stop signs, to regulate the flow of vehicles and provide dependable safety for drivers. 

In school zones, permanent speed limit signs, crosswalk markings, and flashing signals help increase visibility and enforce safety regulations in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. As another example, bridges and overpasses use guardrails, reflective signage, and warning signs to protect drivers from steep inclines or sharp turns.

In residential and commercial areas, speed bumps, stop signs, and bollards help control vehicle speeds and safeguard pedestrians. For highways, concrete barriers and permanent road markings separate opposing traffic lanes, offering a durable solution to prevent accidents.

Need Help Selecting the Right Traffic Control Products?

Whether you need temporary or permanent traffic control products, Interwest Safety Supplies has just what you need. We offer a variety of traffic control solutions including traffic cones, portable signs, barriers (permanent and temporary), pavement markers, and much more. Visit our site for quality traffic control and safety products.

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