Rocky Mountain Signing

What Is a Truck Mounted Attenuator?

kc27 — Sun, 10 Mar 2024 03:39:24 +0000

Enhancing Roadway Safety with Impact Attenuator Vehicles

In the realm of road safety, every measure counts. From speed limits to traffic signals, various strategies are employed to minimize accidents and protect both motorists and construction workers. Among these strategies, truck-mounted attenuators (TMA) stand out as a vital component in safeguarding roadwork zones and emergency response areas. These impact attenuator vehicles serve as protective barriers, absorbing impact energy and reducing the severity of collisions. Let’s delve into the role of TMA in traffic control design, how they function, and why they are essential for work zone safety.

What Is a Truck Mounted Attenuator?

A truck-mounted attenuator (TMA) is a specialized vehicle equipped with an energy-absorbing crash cushion designed to protect workers, motorists, and road infrastructure. These attenuators, also known as impact attenuator vehicles, are deployed in construction zones, highway maintenance projects, and emergency response situations to mitigate the force of errant vehicles.

TMAs are typically installed on the back of heavy-duty trucks and act as mobile barriers. In the event of a collision, they absorb kinetic energy and reduce impact severity, helping to prevent secondary crashes and protect lives. Simply put, it is a crucial tool used to create safer work zones by reducing crash severity and improving driver awareness.

The Mechanics of Safety: How Impact Attenuator Vehicles Work

The effectiveness of a truck-mounted attenuator lies in its ability to dissipate impact energy upon collision, minimizing damage and injury. This process typically involves:

Crushable Materials: Many TMAs incorporate deformable metal structures or specialized materials that crumple upon impact, absorbing energy progressively.
Hydraulic or Mechanical Systems: Some advanced models utilize hydraulic dampers to slow down the vehicle more efficiently.
Shock Absorbers & Energy Dissipation Panels: Designed to convert kinetic energy into heat or controlled deformation, these components reduce the abrupt deceleration that would otherwise cause severe damage.

By softening the impact, impact attenuator vehicles protect both the vehicle that collides with them and the workers in the protected zone.

Applications of Truck Mounted Attenuators

TMA in traffic control plays a critical role in various roadway operations. Some of the most common applications include:

Highway Work Zones: TMAs are positioned to protect road workers during highway maintenance and repaving projects.
Lane Closures & Roadside Construction: These vehicles serve as a buffer between active traffic lanes and work areas.
Emergency Response: When responding to accidents or stalled vehicles, TMAs protect first responders from incoming traffic.
Special Event Traffic Control: In situations where roadways are temporarily closed or redirected, TMAs help maintain a safe and structured flow of traffic.

Whether deployed for routine highway maintenance or emergency lane closures, impact attenuator vehicles significantly enhance roadway safety.

Advantages Over Traditional Barriers

Compared to concrete block barriers or guardrails, truck-mounted attenuators offer several key advantages:

Energy Absorption: Unlike rigid barriers that deflect vehicles back into traffic, TMAs absorb impact energy, minimizing secondary collisions.
Mobility & Versatility: TMAs can be quickly repositioned to accommodate changing work zones.
Enhanced Visibility: Equipped with high-visibility markings, flashing lights, and reflective signage, TMAs serve as strong visual warnings for motorists.
Minimal Infrastructure Damage: Instead of causing extensive damage to surrounding structures, TMAs provide a controlled stopping mechanism for errant vehicles.

For roadwork safety, impact attenuator vehicles offer a more flexible and protective solution compared to stationary barriers.

Rocky Mountain Signing’s TMA Practices: Maintenance & Training

At Rocky Mountain Signing, we recognize that even the most advanced impact attenuator vehicles require regular maintenance and trained operators to ensure optimal performance. Our approach includes:

Routine Inspections: TMAs undergo regular maintenance to check for wear and tear on crushable attenuators, hydraulic systems, and energy-absorbing panels.
Certified Training for Operators: Our TMA operators receive extensive training in proper deployment procedures, traffic management protocols, and emergency response techniques.
Compliance with Industry Standards: We adhere to all federal and state regulations to guarantee the highest level of safety on every job site.

By combining expert training with meticulous maintenance, Rocky Mountain Signing ensures that our impact attenuator vehicles provide maximum protection for road crews and motorists alike.

The Importance of TMAs in Traffic Control

Truck-mounted attenuators serve as a shield of protection, reducing crash severity in work zones, emergency response areas, and high-risk traffic situations. Their ability to absorb impact energy and prevent further collisions makes them indispensable in modern road safety efforts.

As technology advances, impact attenuator vehicles will continue to evolve, providing even greater protection for workers and drivers alike. At Rocky Mountain Signing, we remain committed to leading the industry in TMA safety, ensuring that every roadway project is as secure as possible.

For more information on our truck-mounted attenuators, or to request TMA services for your project, contact Rocky Mountain Signing today.

The post What Is a Truck Mounted Attenuator? first appeared on Rocky Mountain Signing.

Message Boards Do Help

kc27 — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 03:17:51 +0000

Traffic control rentals in Denver are our specialty. Rocky Mountain Signing Company can take care of all your traffic control rental needs. We will design the type of work zone / street closure you will need and then supply state of the art well maintained equipment. Finally we will schedule certified and experienced personnel to install the devices needed to insure you have a safe, complete work zone in a timely manner.

Making sure the traveling public moves through your work zone safely is very important. Having an approved traffic control plan in place prior to starting the work will save time and money. If your work zone is not sending a clear message as to what the traveling public is to do, your job site could be shut down. A work zone that is easy to travel through decreases traffic back-up and accidents.

By renting message boards for your work zone, a message is sent to drivers prior to entering your work zone. You can advise them of detours, flaggers ahead or the need to be prepared to stop. A message board can also be programed to flash graphics to aid motorists to better understand your message.

Attenuator trucks are the safest way to set and pick up a lane closure. All of Rocky Mountain Signings attenuator trucks include 26,000 GVW trucks. None of the attenuator trucks at Rocky Mountain Signing are trailer mounted units. When an attenuator is struck, the kinetic energy can move a 26,000 GVW attenuator truck upwards of 150+ feet. If you need an attenuator truck to rent, you may want to rethink using a trailer mounted unit. Some trailer mounted attenuators attached to trucks have a GVW rating as low as 10,000 pounds. Although this may meet some manufacturer’s specifications, any truck under 20,000 GVW is simply not safe enough for Rocky Mountain Signing’s clients.

Rocky Mountain Signing can also supply your concrete block barrier needs. Our concrete barrier is CDOT approved for temporary use and is available in 10 foot sections. The concrete barrier may be picked up at our office in Parker or we can deliver it to your job site. Concrete barrier is the best way to separate head-on traffic, as well as, protect the traveling public form open excavation, and heavy equipment.

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Crash Attenuators (End Treatment Attenuators)

kc27 — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 03:29:16 +0000

Enhancing Road Safety: The Evolution of End Treatment Water Filled Crash Attenuators

Introduction: In the realm of road safety, the quest for effective traffic control attenuators has been ongoing for decades. These devices play a crucial role in mitigating the severity of vehicle collisions, reducing injuries, and saving lives. Among the various types of crash attenuators, end treatment water filled systems have emerged as a significant innovation. This blog explores the evolution, benefits, and applications of end treatment water filled crash attenuators, shedding light on their importance in enhancing roadway safety.

Evolution of Crash Attenuators: Crash attenuators, commonly known as crash cushions or impact attenuators, have evolved significantly since their inception. Initially, these devices were primarily composed of rigid materials such as concrete or steel. While effective in certain scenarios, these rigid attenuators often posed risks of secondary collisions or causing severe damage to vehicles.

As technology progressed, engineers and researchers began exploring more flexible and energy-absorbing materials. This led to the development of crash attenuators utilizing foam, plastic, and water-filled barriers. Among these advancements, water filled crash attenuators have gained traction due to their superior energy absorption capabilities and ability to reduce rebound forces.

Understanding End Treatment Water Filled Crash Attenuators: End treatment crash attenuators are specifically designed to mitigate the impact of vehicles colliding with fixed objects at the end of road barriers or guardrails. Traditional end treatments, such as energy-absorbing terminals, have been augmented with water filled systems to enhance their performance.

End treatment water-filled crash attenuators typically consist of a series of interconnected plastic barrels filled with water. These barrels are strategically designed to deform upon impact, effectively dissipating kinetic energy and redirecting the vehicle away from the hazardous area. The use of water as a medium for energy absorption offers several advantages, including cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and environmental friendliness.

Benefits of Water Filled Crash Attenuators:

Enhanced Safety: The primary goal of crash attenuators is to minimize the severity of collisions and protect motorists from catastrophic injuries. Water filled systems excel in absorbing and dissipating kinetic energy, thereby reducing the risk of vehicle occupants sustaining life-threatening injuries.
Flexibility: Unlike rigid attenuators, water filled crash attenuators offer flexibility and deformation upon impact. This flexibility minimizes the likelihood of secondary collisions and reduces damage to vehicles, thereby improving overall roadway safety.
Cost-Effectiveness: Water filled crash attenuators are often more cost-effective compared to traditional concrete or steel barriers. Their modular design allows for easy transportation, installation, and maintenance, resulting in lower operational costs over the long term.
Environmental Sustainability: With increasing emphasis on sustainability, water filled crash attenuators present an eco-friendly alternative to traditional attenuator systems. The use of recyclable materials and the ability to reuse water in these systems contribute to reducing environmental impact.

Applications and Future Trends: End treatment water filled crash attenuators find widespread application in various roadway environments, including highways, bridges, construction zones, and urban areas. Their versatility and effectiveness make them suitable for protecting motorists and pedestrians in diverse settings.

Looking ahead, ongoing research and development efforts aim to further enhance the performance and efficiency of water filled crash attenuators. Advancements in materials science, structural engineering, and crash dynamics will likely lead to innovations such as self-healing barriers, smart attenuator systems, and integrated sensor technologies.

Conclusion: End treatment water filled crash attenuators represent a significant advancement in road safety technology, offering superior energy absorption capabilities and enhanced protection for motorists. As the transportation industry continues to prioritize safety and innovation, these attenuators will play a crucial role in reducing the severity of collisions and saving lives on our roadways. By embracing and implementing these cutting-edge solutions, we can move closer to realizing the vision of safer and more sustainable transportation infrastructure for all.

The post Crash Attenuators (End Treatment Attenuators) first appeared on Rocky Mountain Signing.

Concrete Barrier

kc27 — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 03:29:11 +0000

In the bustling state of Colorado, where scenic landscapes and urban development intersect, ensuring road safety is paramount. With the influx of traffic, diverse weather conditions, and challenging terrains, the need for robust safety measures becomes increasingly evident. Among these measures, concrete barriers stand out as stalwart guardians, offering protection and security on Colorado’s roadways. Let’s delve into the significance of concrete barriers and their indispensable role in safeguarding motorists and pedestrians across the Centennial State.

Enhanced Crash Protection: Concrete block barriers, with their formidable structure and durability, provide unparalleled crash protection. Whether installed along highways, bridges, or construction zones, these barriers act as formidable shields, mitigating the impact of collisions and preventing vehicles from veering off course. In Colorado’s rugged terrain, where steep slopes and sharp curves pose significant hazards, concrete barriers serve as reliable barriers, reducing the likelihood of accidents and safeguarding travelers against potential dangers.

Mitigation of Hazardous Conditions: Colorado’s dynamic weather patterns, ranging from blizzards to intense sunlight, often create hazardous driving conditions. In snowy winters, icy roads increase the risk of skidding and loss of control, while heavy rains can lead to hydroplaning and reduced traction. Concrete barriers play a pivotal role in mitigating these risks by providing a physical barrier that helps contain vehicles within their designated lanes. By preventing crossover accidents and minimizing the impact of adverse weather conditions, concrete barriers contribute to safer travel experiences for all road users.

Protection in Construction Zones: Construction zones, synonymous with temporary disruptions and altered traffic patterns, demand heightened safety measures. Concrete barriers offer indispensable protection in these areas, delineating work zones, redirecting traffic flow, and shielding both workers and motorists from potential hazards. With their robust construction and high visibility, these barriers serve as effective deterrents, ensuring that drivers remain alert and cautious while navigating through construction sites. By enhancing safety in these transitional spaces, concrete barriers play a crucial role in minimizing accidents and maintaining the efficiency of infrastructure projects across Colorado.

Prevention of Wildlife Collisions: Colorado’s abundant wildlife, including deer, elk, and bears, frequently traverse its vast expanses, posing a unique challenge for road safety. Collisions with animals not only endanger motorists but also result in significant ecological consequences. Concrete barriers, strategically positioned in wildlife corridors and known crossing areas, help mitigate these risks by creating barriers that deter animals from venturing onto roadways. Through innovative designs such as wildlife underpasses and overpasses, these barriers promote coexistence between wildlife and road users, reducing the frequency of collisions and preserving Colorado’s rich biodiversity.

Conclusion: In the pursuit of safer roadways, Colorado’s reliance on concrete barriers emerges as a cornerstone of its transportation infrastructure. From shielding against collisions and adverse weather conditions to enhancing safety in construction zones and wildlife habitats, these barriers epitomize resilience and reliability. As Colorado continues to evolve, prioritizing road safety remains imperative, and concrete barriers stand as steadfast guardians, ensuring that every journey across the Centennial State is characterized by security, stability, and peace of mind.

The post Concrete Barrier first appeared on Rocky Mountain Signing.

Traffic Control in Denver

kc27 — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 03:11:48 +0000

Traffic Control in Denver can be tricky. The sudden change in the weather and mountainous terrain can and will play a part in the design of the traffic control plan. Rocky Mountain Signing can be your one stop shop for all of your traffic control needs in Denver. All work zones (lane closures) require an MHT (method of handling traffic) also known as a traffic control plan.

Once your traffic control plan is designed and approved, you will know what traffic control devices you will need to rent. Rocky Mountain Signing carries a large inventory of control devices, including traffic message and arrow boards, signs, stands, cones, concrete block barricades, flashing lights, traffic control attenuators, truck-mounted attenuators, and more.

Once you have your plan and list of traffic control devices, you can then decide if you would like to rent the traffic control devices and install per the traffic control plan yourself or have Rocky Mountain Signing install the traffic control devices for you. Should you choose to set the closure yourself, make sure it is set exactly per the traffic control plan. Any deviation with the traffic control devices from the approved traffic control plan, could result in an accident, injuries and even death.

If you don’t have certified, skilled traffic control personnel already working for you, it’s best to hire a traffic control company like Rocky Mountain Signing to perform this work. Having the knowledge and the right equipment when setting your lane closures will make the difference in having a safe and profitable project. Rocky Mountain Signing is the largest independently owned traffic control company in Colorado operating for over 25 consecutive years.

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Rent Concrete Barriers

kc27 — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 03:20:58 +0000

Concrete Barriers, originally referred to as a “Jersey Barrier”, were introduced in the 1950’s to divide multi-lane highways. Now concrete barriers are used to reroute traffic and protect pedestrians and workers during highway construction.

It is also used to protect open trenches during underground utility repairs and replacement. The original design was intended to reduce damage from accidents and lower the likelihood of a car crossing into oncoming lanes.

Concrete Barriers are also used to block entrances of governmental, security and military establishments. You will also find concrete barriers lining race tracks.

The concrete barrier sections supplied by Rocky Mountain Signing Company is 10’ long, 42” tall, weighs 4000 lbs. and has been designed to allow water drainage. Contact us today for more information about buying or renting Concrete Barriers!

The post Rent Concrete Barriers first appeared on Rocky Mountain Signing.

Work Zone Traffic Plan

kc27 — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 03:04:29 +0000

Rocky Mountain Signing has been renting equipment for work-zone closures in the Denver area since 1991. We are proud to state we have operated under the same name with the same owner for the entire 25 years we have been in business. Rocky Mountain Signing is a Certified DBE-WBE-SBE with the State of Colorado, City and County of Denver and Denver Water.

Rocky Mountain Signing can rent the traffic control devices needed to set any work-zone closure including Interstates, State Highways, City & County Roadways, as well as, private roads. We can rent the equipment needed to set yourself or we can set any type of closure needed, including detours and complete highway closures.

Once a work-zone closure has been determined to be necessary, the first thing the contractor will need is a permit from the state, city or county in which the work is to take place. The contractor will need to supply an MHT (method of handling traffic or traffic control plan) for the contractor to submit to obtain the permit. Rocky Mountain Signing can design a traffic control plan that will meet all government requirements for a safe work-zone for both the workers and the traveling public.

Once the traffic control plan has been approved, the contractor will know exactly what traffic control devices will be needed. This may also help with engineers and designers who are looking for help with estimating a budget for their project. Rocky Mountain Signing will be able to supply the contractor with any and all devices needed, regardless of who has designed the traffic control plan.

Rocky Mountain Signing has one of Colorado’s largest inventories of Message Boards, Arrow Boards, Attenuator Trucks and related traffic control devices in the state. Please allow Rocky Mountain Signing the opportunity to earn your business. Please call us at 303-840-9877 x 314 and let us quote your next project.

The post Work Zone Traffic Plan first appeared on Rocky Mountain Signing.

Attenuator Truck Rental in Colorado

kc27 — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 02:56:32 +0000

Rocky Mountain Signing Company recommends the use of attenuator trucks when setting up any type of lane closure on interstates, highways and any busy roadway with multiple lanes and speeds of 40 miles per hour and greater. The purpose for using an attenuator truck is to protect the traveling public as well as the construction crew. Attenuator trucks are also known as crash trucks and shadow vehicles. Here in Colorado, CDOT requires a 25 lite arrow board and a truck mounted attenuator which meets the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) test level III.

All attenuator truck drivers who work for Rocky Mountain Signing must first pass a written test, watch a video made by the attenuator manufacture and perform a vehicle walk around including an initial test drive with our fleet manager. Then they are scheduled to do multiple ride-alongs (minimum of three) with an experienced attenuator truck driver. Once the new driver feels he or she is ready they must contact the RMS safety officer for a telephone conference where the new driver is asked a series of questions. The new driver is also asked if they feel ready to go solo. If not, or if the questions are not answered correctly the new driver will be scheduled to perform more onsite training.

Rocky Mountain Singing Company in Parker Colorado has a fleet of sixteen CDOT approved attenuator trucks. Attenuator Trucks can be rented from Rocky Mountain Signing on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Attenuator trucks can be rented in the Denver Colorado area with or without drivers from Rocky Mountain Signing Company.

The post Attenuator Truck Rental in Colorado first appeared on Rocky Mountain Signing.

Message Board Rentals

kc27 — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 02:44:06 +0000

Here at Rocky Mountain Signing, we believe that message board signs are the safest means for notifying the traveling public of existing road conditions. The demand for message board rentals has grown to include not only Road Contractors, but Property Managers, Malls, HOA’s, Cities, Counties and anyone planning a special event. With a fleet of over 45 message boards to rent and growing each year, we are confident that Rocky Mountain Signing can handle your message board rental needs in the Denver metro area and along the Front Range.

Rocky Mountain Signing only rents Wanco message boards, as they are ultra-bright and highly legible, and can be used to notify the traveling public of highway construction, work zones, lane closures and more. Our message boards are 11.5 feet wide and 6.25 feet tall allowing legible visibility of over 1500 feet. All of our message boards are solar powered, eliminating the noise and pollution caused by diesel motors. Each message board panel will rotate 360 degrees.

When you rent a message board form Rocky Mountain Signing, you can be assured that it will meet all MUTCD requirements as well as being NTCIP compliant.

Please call Rocky Mountain Signing for your message board rental needs in the Denver metro area 303-840-9877 x 314.

The post Message Board Rentals first appeared on Rocky Mountain Signing.

Traffic Control Sign Rentals in Denver Colorado

kc27 — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 02:18:08 +0000

Rocky Mountain Signing Company provides all types of highway and roadway sign rentals imaginable for your road construction project in Denver, Colorado.

The rental signs we provide in the Denver Colorado area meet all Federal and Colorado State regulations to keep the traveling public moving safely and smoothly through your work zone area.

A few of the traffic control rentals we offer include:

Traffic Cone Rentals
Barricades / Drum Rentals
Message Board Rental
Arrow Board Rentals
Temporary Attenuators
Attenuator Truck Rentals
Safety/Warning Light Rentals
Construction Sign Rentals

Some of our personnel and services include:

Certified Traffic Control Supervisor
Certified Flaggers
Traffic Control Plans

In addition to traffic control sign rentals in Denver, we provide professional installation services to get your signs securely in place.

Please contact Steve Rush with questions or a quote.

(303) 840-9877 x 314

The post Traffic Control Sign Rentals in Denver Colorado first appeared on Rocky Mountain Signing.