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MUTCD Type III Barricades

Ensure maximum visibility and regulatory compliance for your road closures with our heavy-duty Type III Barricades. Engineered to meet Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards, these barriers feature three reflective rails with high-intensity or engineer-grade sheeting to safely redirect traffic day or night. Whether you need steel-frame durability for semi-permanent use or breakaway plastic uprights for temporary construction zones, our inventory allows for rapid deployment and reliable impact resistance.


Guide to Choosing the Right MUTCD Type III Barricade

Type III Barricades (Type 3) are the industry standard for total road closures and high-visibility traffic control. Unlike smaller Type I or Type II barricades which are used merely for delineation, Type III barricades generally indicate a closed road or a mandatory detour. At Traffic Safety Store, we offer two primary frame styles—Galvanized Steel and All-Plastic "Break-Away"—both of which are fully MUTCD compliant.

Comparison: Steel Frame vs. Plastic Break-Away

The primary decision when buying a Type 3 barricade is the upright material. Use this chart to decide which is right for your project:

FeatureSquare Tube Steel UprightsPlastic "Break-Away" Uprights
DurabilityMaximum (Heavy Duty Galvanized Steel)High (Impact Resistant Plastic)
Best ApplicationSemi-permanent closures & high-wind areasTemporary zones & daily setup/teardown
Safety FeatureRigid stabilityYields/Breaks away on vehicle impact
TransportHeavier; best for flatbed trucksLightweight; lays flat for pickup trucks

Understanding Reflective Sheeting Grades

Per MUTCD regulations, Type 3 barricades must feature at least three horizontal rails (boards) with alternating orange and white retroreflective stripes. We offer two grades:

  • Engineer Grade (EG): The standard for parking lots, private communities, and low-speed construction zones.
  • High Intensity Prismatic (HI): Offers significantly higher reflectivity (up to 3x brighter). This is the standard requirement for most state DOT projects, highways, and public roadways to ensure night-time visibility.

Why We Use Reinforced Plastic Rails (Not Wood)

Traditionally, barricades used painted wood lumber. However, wood creates dangerous flying debris when hit, rots over time, and requires repainting. Our 4', 6', and 8' plastic rails are hollow, lightweight, and reinforced. They do not warp or splinter, and the color is molded directly into the plastic, ensuring a professional look for years with zero maintenance.


Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use a Type III Barricade?

Type III barricades are required when closing a road section to traffic or creating a significant detour. Their larger size (3 rails) makes them much more visible than Type I or II barricades.

Are these barricades NCHRP-350 Compliant?

Yes. Both our steel and plastic frame options meet NCHRP-350 and MASH crash-test standards suitable for use on the National Highway System.

Need help with Type III Barricades?

Contact our traffic safety experts at 800-429-9030 for immediate assistance.