Concrete barriers are a familiar sight along highways, construction sites, parking lots, and at large events. But beyond serving as a safe and reliable form of traffic and crowd control, barriers can have multi-purpose functions as well. Here are five of the most creative uses for concrete barriers we’ve seen.
#1) Pop-Up Park Infrastructure
Pop-up parks boomed in popularity after the pandemic, appearing on sidewalk corners, empty lots, or reclaimed street lanes. These tiny greenspaces served as gathering places for those wanting to reconnect after months of isolation.
Because of their location amid bustling cities and streets, pop-up parks often use Jersey Barriers to keep parkgoers safe from nearby traffic. However, these barriers can also serve as multipurpose park infrastructure. Innovations like park bench attachments turn these simple barriers into inviting seating structures. They can even be removed as the park relocates.
#2) City Beautification Projects
With Jersey Barriers serving as one of the most popular forms of traffic control, these concrete structures can become a permanent feature of a city’s landscape. Many cities see these barriers as blank canvases, using them as the basis for urban art installations.
New York City’s Department of Transportation has implemented several of these projects, including the Barrier Beautification project, enlisting muralists to paint the barriers separating bike and pedestrian lanes from nearby traffic. Not only do these barriers create a safe and secure zone for pedestrians, but they are colorful reflections of each neighborhood’s unique personality.
#3) Patio Planters
48 Barriers is no stranger to the planter barrier — in fact, we have a whole line of rebar-reinforced concrete planters to help beautify your properties while providing safety and security.
However, not every project calls for a full-sized planter. Sometimes a removable planter structure is better for the changing seasons. In those cases, planter attachments can supplement traditional Jersey Barriers or standard concrete barriers. These planter boxes nestle on top of barriers to provide a jolt of color to walkways, barriers, and patio spaces.
#4) Skate Park Features
Jersey Barriers are popular because of their robust structure and unique sloping base that is designed to minimize car collisions. Those features also make them great structures for skate parks. With a little customization, these concrete barriers can take on a second life. Skaters in New South Wales smoothed the gap in the base of a standard Jersey Barrier by adding quick-set concrete, creating a seamless ramp-like surface for easier skating.
#5) Wildlife Crossings
Most people are familiar with the use of concrete barriers in crowd control, but concrete barriers can also control some even wilder crowds. Concrete barriers like T-panels can form the boundaries for wildlife crossings.
Wildlife crossings are large overpasses covered in natural vegetation that provide a safe passageway for animals across busy multi-lane highways. As roadkill incidents rise, these designs increase in popularity. In fact, California is beginning construction on the world’s largest wildlife crossing in 2024.
Designs vary based on the area’s topography and wildlife, but most are large bridges lined with high-sided concrete barriers or concrete-enforced fences. These structures keep animals moving safely across the bridge while minimizing the risk of falls.
No matter your project, 48 Barriers can help you find creative ways to get the most out of your concrete barriers while still maintaining the safety, security, and reliability you expect from our products. Contact us today to get started.
