Do you need to rent traffic control equipment for a construction site, roadwork, or an event? Before selecting your equipment, you need to determine which devices are required, how many you need, and how long you’ll need them.
Your traffic equipment rental needs depend primarily on five factors: the type of project, site characteristics, the duration of the work, applicable standards, and the resources available to manage traffic control.
1. Project type: what equipment do you need?
The type of project determines which traffic control devices are needed, as risks and traffic movements vary depending on the activities involved.
- Roadwork: Construction signs, cones, barrels, and arrow boards to warn drivers about work ahead, close lanes, or guide traffic.
- Construction sites: Barriers, temporary signs, and delineation devices to secure access points and separate work zones from traffic.
- Infrastructure work: Detour signs, barriers, and protective devices depending on the scope of the work.
- Public events: Road closure signs, barricades, and temporary signage to manage vehicle and pedestrian movement.
What you need to specify: the nature of the project, planned activities, and areas that need to be closed, marked off, or protected.
This information helps the supplier determine which categories of equipment you need to rent.
2. Location: how much equipment will you need?
The location primarily affects the number of signs, cones, and barriers required, as well as their placement.
On a low-speed residential street, warning distances may be shorter than on a major road where vehicles travel at higher speeds.
Four factors are particularly important when assessing your needs:
- Speed limit: This affects advance warning distances and the length of transition areas.
- Number of lanes: Closing a lane on a multi-lane road requires an appropriate traffic control setup.
- Length of the work zone: The larger the area that needs to be marked off, the more devices may be required.
- Road users: Pedestrians, cyclists, and buses may require additional temporary routes or detours.
A busy intersection or a commercial entrance that must remain accessible can also affect the planned traffic control setup.
What you need to provide: the project address, posted speed limit, number of lanes, length of the affected area, and access points that must remain open.
3. Duration of the work: how long should you rent the equipment?
The duration of your project determines the rental period, but also the characteristics of the equipment you need.
For work lasting only a few hours, a temporary setup can be removed as soon as the work is completed.
For a construction project lasting several weeks, you need devices suited to extended use, including stable supports and signage that remains visible when crews leave the site.
The work schedule also plays an important role:
- Daytime work: The setup must account for traffic conditions during working hours.
- Night work: Reduced visibility may require illuminated signs or suitable retroreflective devices.
- Multi-phase work: Equipment may need to be moved or replaced as work zones change.
What you need to specify: the start and end dates, working hours, and any planned changes to the traffic control setup.
The supplier can then plan the rental period, deliveries, and any necessary equipment relocations.
4. Applicable standards: which devices are required?
Traffic control standards determine which devices are required and how they must be installed. You cannot simply choose the number of signs or their placement at your discretion.
In Quebec, roadwork traffic control requirements specify which devices must be used under different work conditions.
In Ontario, the Ontario Traffic Manual – Book 7: Temporary Conditions outlines applicable temporary traffic control configurations.
These standards help determine:
- The warning and regulatory signs required.
- The distances between signs and the work zone.
- The length of transition areas for lane closures.
- The delineation and protective devices needed.
What you need to check: the regulations applicable to your project and whether a traffic control plan is available.
5. Available resources: rent equipment only or include services?
The final factor is your ability to manage traffic control on-site.
If you have a trained team, you can rent only the necessary equipment and handle its installation, monitoring, and removal yourself.
If you don’t have the necessary resources, you can work with a company that supplies the equipment and also handles its installation.
Depending on the nature of the project, additional services may be required:
- Preparation of a traffic control plan.
- Delivery and installation of traffic control devices.
- Traffic control personnel to manage vehicle movement.
- Adjustments to the traffic control setup during the work.
- Equipment removal at the end of the project.
What you need to specify: which tasks your team can handle and which ones you want the supplier to manage.
This distinction helps you request a quote that accurately reflects your needs.
Determine your traffic equipment needs with Prosign
Are you planning a construction project, infrastructure work, or an event in Ottawa, Gatineau, Laval, or the South Shore? Prosign offers traffic equipment rental and traffic management services.
By providing details about your project, site constraints, and the duration of the work, you can receive a proposal tailored to the equipment and services required.
Request a quote from Prosign to plan your traffic equipment rental.
FAQ’s
How do you know how many cones and signs to rent?
The number of devices depends on the length of the area that needs to be secured, the speed limit, and the road configuration. A traffic control plan that complies with applicable standards helps determine the quantities required.
What equipment do you need to rent for a lane closure?
A lane closure generally requires warning signs and cones or barrels to mark the transition area. Other equipment, such as an arrow board, may be required depending on the speed limit, number of lanes, and applicable standards.
Can you rent traffic control equipment without installation?
Yes. You can rent equipment only if your team has the necessary skills to install and manage it in accordance with applicable requirements. Otherwise, you can request a service that includes delivery, installation, and removal.
Is a traffic control plan required before renting equipment?
A traffic control plan may be necessary, depending on the nature of the work, the location, and the regulations set by the governing authority. It helps define the required devices, their placement, and the necessary spacing, which facilitates the preparation of an accurate order.
What information should you provide to get a quote?
Specify the type of project, its location, the dates and hours of work, and any planned traffic restrictions. Also indicate whether you already have a traffic control plan and whether you need installation services.