Concrete barriers provide a vital service for anyone in need of a reliable and affordable barrier. But did you know concrete barriers are also known as Jersey barriers?
In this blog, we will answer the question ‘Why are they called Jersey barriers?’
At PPC Concrete Products, we are here to provide solutions for your construction needs, from the person working their own part-time project, to commercial clients, and everyone in-between.
Monthly construction output had risen an estimated by an 1.6% value in June 2023, and we would like to think our accessible concrete products had a small part to play by giving our clients easy access to reliable and easy-to-use construction solutions.
What is the function of a barrier?
Barriers have multiple functions, though the material it is made from can add to the amount of functions it can perform. Generally, barriers are used to organise space. Below are some functions available for a barrier depending on the material it is made from.
Functions of a plastic barrier
Plastic barriers are the lightest option available in terms of weight. As a result of this, in certain instances, it may need reinforcing with sandbags. These barriers can be interlocked, but can still topple over. This places it in certain environments, such as…
- Road works (To guide pedestrians safely and make vehicles aware that they may need to drive accordingly).
- Temporary control measurements.
Functions of a metal barrier
Metal barriers are naturally heavier and more durable, therefore their usage becomes slightly more expansive. Some metal barriers can be interlocked as part of their design, or by DIY methods. They can be used in…
- Crowd control measures, this can include concerts, both by the stage and upon entry. As well as social or entertainment events/environments.
Functions of a concrete barrier
Concrete barriers are the most heavy and durable option when it comes to barriers. This makes their transport a lot more difficult, but does not limit its uses. Our concrete barriers can be interlocked, whereas others do not. Concrete barriers can be used in…
- Covering a perimeter of a construction site, preventing vehicles from entry.
- General site protection.
- Roadwork applications. Eg, blocking an exit of a motorway under developments or repair.
- Organising space in public areas.
Jersey Barriers explained
A Jersey Barrier is a form of barrier made of concrete. It is also known as a concrete barrier. They are generally used within construction sites, traffic diversion, site management, crowd control, and much more.
Jersey Barriers are made by pouring concrete into specially made pre-cast moulds. The concrete is allowed to dry, and the mould is removed, resulting in a Jersey Barrier. Jersey Barriers also have the ability to interlock, reinforcing their effectiveness.
Jersey Barriers also benefit from being weatherproof as a result of being made from concrete. This is helpful in environments within England that can be wet, cold and windy depending on where you are.
Additionally, concrete barriers are heavy, this makes them extremely difficult to move, and due to the natural durability of concrete, it is difficult to damage. This combination of durability and heavy weight enables a concrete barrier to be one of the best long-term options available.
Why are they called Jersey barriers?
The term ‘Jersey barrier’ may seem like a random nickname. But the reasoning is within the name itself.
Originally, Jersey barriers are known to have originated in the USA, in New Jersey in 1955. Jersey barriers were made out of a necessity to find a safer way to organise roads that are more treacherous.
The original batch of Jersey barriers surprisingly only measured up to 18 inches (45.72 cm) tall.
Why does the same barrier have different names?
Differences in names can come as a result of the locality of the users of the barriers. Understandably, places such as the UK who may not know of the Jersey origin may just refer to the barriers as what they perceive them to be, which is simply a concrete barrier.
Does the different names mean different functions?
We can’t speak to the understandings that are used by other concrete providers. However, regarding PPC, we make sure to highlight any difference in function if we ever have products that seem extremely similar. As we highlighted previously, the term concrete barrier and Jersey barrier can be used interchangeably for our products.
What’s the weight of a Jersey Barrier?
At PPC, our Jersey Barriers weigh just below 2.5 tonnes. This may seem a lot for a single barrier, but rest assured, this weight guarantees our concrete barriers can not be moved without any heavy lifting equipment. Especially if they are interlocked
The heavy weight ensures that your barrier is unlikely to be tampered with, and damaged unless it is a very high velocity impact. This gives peace of mind and a layer of security for sites that need a basic level of protection.
Weights of barriers will likely vary nominally depending on the manufacturer.
What are the dimensions of a Jersey Barrier?
Amongst different providers, the dimensions of their concrete blocks may vary, but with that in mind, the dimensions of our Jersey Barriers are, 900×2000 mm. This equates to 90×200 cm.
How do I get a Jersey Barrier?
Obtaining a Jersey Barrier is as simple as getting in contact with PPC today. PPC is a trusted and established supplier of various concrete products. In order to give you an accurate quote, we suggest the following…
- Know what you are going to be using the barriers for.
- Have an understanding of the space the barriers will be placed. This includes the perimeter or length that will be covered, in addition to the ground it will be placed on. Is it concrete? Or grass? Is it on a hill? Or flat land? Etc.
Is a Jersey Barrier the best security option?
Jersey Barriers are a great addition to security for a site, but must be used in conjunction with other security measures to ensure total security. Jersey Barriers are difficult to move without the right equipment, but can be climbed over.
This is why it is important to make sure your site has additional security in the form of the following.
- Security guards
- CCTV cameras
- Alarm systems
- Deterrents such as guard dogs or barbed wire.
How does a Jersey barrier help security?
Simply put, A Jersey barrier helps security by ensuring that vehicles can not enter the site being protected by the barriers, or get past the barriers. This prevents potential accidents, thieves, and those not paying attention from entering the perimeter of the Jersey barriers.
Our Jersey barriers also hold an interlocking feature. This reinforces the stability of the barriers, allowing them to not be lifted or moved. The additional stability is produced by the interlocked barriers spreading their centre of gravity over a larger area. This also prevents them from being toppled over by anyone.
Purchase Jersey Barriers today
As an established supplier all over the UK, PPC Concrete Products is always happy to help, which is why we encourage you to get in touch with any questions you may have or have a look at our FAQ.
In this blog, we hope to have answered the question ‘Why are they called Jersey Barriers?’, whilst also providing extra information in regard to construction solutions that we offer.
Take a read of our case studies to truly understand how we have provided solutions for business in the past with the use of our interlocking concrete blocks, and ultimately, how we can help you today.
Read our blog page for more insights into our passion, construction.
Address:
The Old Gasworks,
Higginshaw Lane,
Royton,
Oldham,
OL2 6HQ
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday – 8 AM until 4 PM
Tel: 01706 655245
Email: info@ppcconcreteproducts.co.uk
