Jersey Barriers: Concrete vs Plastic Options Compared

Jersey barriers are widely used to manage traffic, protect work zones, and guide vehicles and people through active sites. When choosing the right option, the most common comparison comes down to concrete jersey barriers and plastic jersey barriers.

Both types serve similar purposes but behave very differently in the field. Factors like impact performance, weight, mobility, installation, and project duration often determine which option makes more sense.

This guide compares concrete and plastic jersey barriers side by side to help you understand how they differ, where each works best, and what to consider before making a decision.

 

Concrete Jersey Barriers

Concrete jersey barriers are manufactured by pouring cement into reinforced molds. Once set, the molds are removed and the barriers are transported to suppliers or job sites.

Because of their weight, deploying concrete barriers requires heavy equipment. A single barrier can weigh between 1,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on size and design.

Concrete barriers are often used in long-term or fixed locations where strength and stability matter more than mobility. In some cases, they are installed permanently on site.

 

Plastic Jersey Barriers (Water-Filled)

Plastic jersey barriers are made from molded plastic and use internal frameworks and ballast for added strength. They are typically filled with water or sand once positioned.

Most models are produced in high-visibility colors, commonly orange and white.

When empty, plastic barriers usually weigh under 100 pounds, which makes them easier to transport and reposition. This allows for faster setup, flexible layouts, and easier adjustments during a project. 

 

Where Concrete and Plastic Jersey Barriers Are Used

Concrete jersey barriers gained widespread use after safety issues on highways with high speeds and steep drop-offs, including roadways along California’s Pacific Coast Highway, where vehicles leaving the roadway often resulted in severe or fatal accidents.

These early applications showed how rigid barriers could help redirect vehicles and reduce the severity of crashes.

Over time, both concrete and plastic jersey barriers became standard tools for traffic control, work zone protection, and temporary site management, each serving different use cases based on conditions and duration.

 

Concrete jersey barriers

Concrete barriers are most often used in permanent or long-term installations. They are common on highways, bridges, and locations where vehicles travel at higher speeds and strong impact resistance is required.

They are typically used to:

• manage long-term road closures
• protect bridge approaches and cliffside roadways
• separate opposing traffic lanes
• contain heavy vehicles in high-speed environments

Because of their weight, installing concrete barriers requires heavy machinery, specialized transport, and trained crews. These requirements make them less practical for short-term projects or locations where layouts change frequently.

 

Plastic jersey barriers

Plastic jersey barriers are widely used in temporary or flexible environments where speed of installation and adaptability matter. When filled with water, they provide a stable barrier for traffic control or crowd separation without the need for heavy equipment.

Common applications include:

• temporary road work zones
• parking areas and access points
• airports and loading zones
• short-term projects requiring frequent reconfiguration

When empty, plastic barriers are easy to move and transport, which reduces labor and setup time. They are often a cost-effective option for temporary applications.

In some work site or perimeter setups, plastic jersey barriers can support fence toppers to increase barrier height.

These configurations are intended for low-speed or non-traffic environments and are not recommended for use on roads or highways, where steel components can increase safety risks. 

 

Choosing the Right Jersey Barrier for Your Project

Choosing between concrete and plastic jersey barriers depends on how and where they will be used. Both options serve similar purposes, but they perform differently under specific conditions.

 

Concrete jersey barriers are typically chosen when:

• projects involve high-speed traffic
• long-term or permanent installations are required
• maximum impact resistance is needed
• heavy vehicles need to be contained

Their weight and rigidity make them suitable for environments where stability and strength are the priority, even though installation and relocation take more effort.

 

Plastic jersey barriers are typically chosen when:

• layouts are temporary or change frequently
• fast installation and removal are important
• projects operate in low-speed or controlled environments
• transport and handling need to stay simple

When filled, plastic barriers provide effective separation while remaining easier to move and reconfigure as project needs change.

In most cases, the right choice comes down to traffic speed, project duration, and how often barriers will need to be repositioned.

 

Safety, Transport, and Installation Considerations

Both concrete and plastic jersey barriers require planning to be used safely and effectively. The main considerations relate to how they are moved, installed, and maintained during a project.

• Safety

Barriers should always be placed based on traffic flow, site layout, and visibility. Proper spacing and alignment help guide vehicles and people while reducing impact risks. Connections between barriers should be checked regularly, especially in active or changing environments.

• Transport

Concrete barriers require heavy equipment for loading, unloading, and positioning. Transport planning often includes specialized trucks and permits due to weight.

Plastic barriers are easier to transport when empty and can be moved in larger quantities. Once placed, they are typically filled on site, which simplifies delivery and handling.

• Installation and repositioning

Concrete barriers are usually installed once and left in place for long periods. Repositioning them takes time and equipment.

Plastic barriers allow faster setup and easier adjustments. This makes them suitable for projects where layouts change or need frequent updates.

Understanding these factors helps avoid delays, reduce labor issues, and support safer deployments across different project types.

 

How SONCO Supports Construction Projects

SONCO has served the safety and traffic control market for 50 years, supplying jersey barriers and related products used across construction sites, infrastructure projects, and temporary environments.

We support construction teams with in-stock products and fast shipping, helping projects move forward without delays. Our team can assist with product selection based on jobsite conditions and project needs, so barriers are deployed correctly from the start.

If you need help choosing the right jersey barrier or checking availability, you can get in contact with our team to discuss your project and timeline.