Best Temporary Concrete Barrier Providers For Construction Projects

The wrong barrier provider does not just cost you money. On a live roadway project, it can cost you the job, trigger regulatory fines, and put workers at serious risk. Compliance is not a checkbox. It is the starting point.

A contractor on a federally funded highway project in the Southwest ordered temporary concrete barriers from a supplier who looked legitimate on paper. The barriers arrived on schedule. They failed DOT inspection. The job stopped. The re-order took 11 days. That delay cost more than the barriers themselves.

This is not an edge case. It happens regularly on roadway projects where procurement decisions get made on price and availability alone, without confirming that the product meets state and local DOT specifications. Temporary concrete barriers are not a commodity purchase. Each unit weighs between 3,400 and 5,400 lbs, requires certified lifting equipment to place, and must meet specific dimensional and structural standards depending on your jurisdiction and the type of work zone you are protecting.

This guide covers five providers that have earned their reputations through decades of documented project work, manufacturing certifications, and service capabilities that go beyond simply shipping product. Whether you are managing a small site job or a multi-million-dollar DOT contract, one of these companies belongs on your shortlist.

How We Selected These Providers

We reviewed providers in early 2026, focusing on their product lines, service offerings, manufacturing credentials, and project histories. The evaluation covered barrier types and product range, including Jersey barriers, F-shape, K-rail, single slope, bin blocks, and specialty products for temporary work zones. We looked at DOT compliance and certifications, specifically state and local DOT approvals and NPCA plant certification where applicable. Service flexibility mattered, covering sales, rentals, delivery, installation, relocation, and barrier lifting equipment availability. Geographic coverage and logistics separated regional specialists from nationwide multi-supplier coordination networks. Project scale and track record rounded out the picture, from small site jobs through multi-million-dollar DOT highway contracts.

The five companies below earned their spots based on track record and service capabilities that hold up under scrutiny. Understanding what compliance really means in this category is worth a moment before diving into the profiles. The signals that separate compliant vendors from high-risk ones apply just as much to heavy construction materials as they do to any other procurement category.

The Five Providers

These companies represent a range of capabilities, from coast-to-coast brokerage networks to NPCA-certified regional manufacturers. Match the profile to your project requirements rather than defaulting to whoever answers the phone first.

48 Barriers

• Founded: 2003; family-owned and operated; division of Multi Distributing, LLC
• Headquarters: Springfield, Missouri; delivers coast-to-coast across all 48 contiguous U.S. states
• Products: New and used Jersey barriers, K-rail, military barriers, T-walls, bin blocks, security planters, mini barriers, recycled rubber barriers, and barrier lifts
• Proprietary Lines: CastleGuard decorative barriers, StoneCast planters, and DecoBarrier decorative blocks
• Services: Sales, rental, and brokerage; nationwide logistics with multi-supplier shipment coordination; financing available through KLC Financial partnership

Since 2003, this Springfield, Missouri-based operation has built a national network that connects contractors with both new and used barriers from multiple supplier sources. The model is logistics-first: rather than manufacturing everything in-house, 48 Barriers coordinates multi-source shipments across all 48 contiguous states, which means they can pull from different stockpiles to hit your timeline even when a single supplier is backordered. They sold more than 25,000 barriers in 2023 alone, which gives you a sense of the volume they are moving. Their catalog spans over 15 product categories, they work with Hilmerson Safety for barrier fencing solutions, and they offer financing through KLC Financial for projects where capital is a constraint. If your primary challenge is sourcing speed and nationwide reach rather than on-site manufacturing, this is the operation to call first.

Best for: Contractors needing fast, nationwide barrier sourcing and logistics with access to both new and used inventory. Standout feature: coast-to-coast brokerage network coordinating multi-supplier shipments.

Michie Corp

• Founded: 1974; family-owned and operated for over 50 years
• Headquarters: 173 Buxton Industrial Drive, Henniker, New Hampshire; serves the greater New England area
• Certification: NPCA (National Precast Concrete Association) certified with annual plant audits
• Products: F-shape, single slope, and multiple sizes of temporary and permanent barriers; all produced to meet or exceed state and local DOT requirements
• Services: Barrier sale, rental, production, and delivery via own fleet of radio-dispatched, front-discharge trucks; large Henniker-based plant maintains barrier inventory for immediate availability

Michie Corp has been manufacturing precast concrete and ready-mix in Henniker, New Hampshire since 1974. Their NPCA plant certification means they pass annual third-party audits against the National Precast Concrete Association’s quality standards, which is one of the most reliable indicators that what leaves their plant will pass DOT inspection. Every barrier they produce meets or exceeds state and local DOT rules for both temporary and permanent applications. They manufacture F-shape and single slope barriers on-site, deliver on their own fleet of radio-dispatched trucks, and maintain standing inventory at their Henniker facility for contractors who need product quickly. Beyond barriers, they produce bridges, culverts, fire cisterns, Redi-Rock retaining walls, and drainage products. Computer-controlled mix designs with custom admixtures back everything they ship. For New England contractors who need a local manufacturer with documented quality controls, Michie Corp is the regional standard.

Best for: New England contractors and municipalities requiring NPCA-certified, DOT-compliant temporary barriers from a local manufacturer with its own delivery fleet.

Valley Paving

• Founded: 1978; second-generation family-owned; founded by Rich Carron, a dairy farmer and Vietnam veteran
• Headquarters: 8800 13th Avenue East, Shakopee, Minnesota 55379; serves the Twin Cities metro area and the state of Minnesota
• Award: Sheldon G. Hayes Award (1994) for work on I-35E in White Bear Lake; first company in the five-state area to receive this national honor
• Barrier Services: Highway safety barriers, construction zone traffic control barriers, temporary or permanent barriers for parking lots and industrial sites
• Core Services: Full road construction contractor: asphalt and paving, excavation and grading, milling and reclaiming, utilities, concrete barriers, and pit and plant operations; over one million tons of asphalt moved in peak seasons

Valley Paving started in 1978 when Rich Carron left dairy farming to build roads. His son Brent Carron took over in 2020, continuing the second-generation operation out of Shakopee, Minnesota. Barrier services here are part of a full road construction capability, not a standalone product line. That distinction matters. When you hire Valley Paving for a Minnesota DOT project, you are working with a contractor who handles asphalt, paving, excavation, grading, milling, utilities, and barriers as an integrated scope. They move more than one million tons of asphalt in peak seasons, which tells you the operational scale they are used to managing. In 1994, they earned the Sheldon G. Hayes Award for their work on I-35E in White Bear Lake, becoming the first company in a five-state area to win this national pavement quality recognition. If you are running a Minnesota highway project and need a single contractor who can handle barriers alongside the full road construction scope, Valley Paving is built for that.

Best for: Minnesota contractors and DOT agencies needing an integrated road construction partner that handles barriers alongside paving, grading, and utilities.

Howe Precast

• Founded: 1992; over 30 years focused exclusively on concrete barrier systems
• Headquarters: 7825 East Paloma Avenue, Mesa, Arizona; serves Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Nevada
• Certification: NPCA-certified plant; ability to mobilize anywhere ready-mix concrete can be sourced
• Capacity: Over 300,000 linear feet of barrier inventory; large fleet of F-shape molds capable of producing up to 1,500 linear feet per day; custom barrier sizes available
• Specialization: Large DOT projects (hard bid, design-build, and P3); project sizes from $5,000 to $10,000,000 and above; barrier rental and relocation services for contractor-owned barriers

Howe Precast has done one thing since 1992: concrete barrier systems. That singular focus has produced a Mesa, Arizona operation that carries more than 300,000 linear feet in inventory and can produce up to 1,500 linear feet per day from their fleet of F-shape molds. Their NPCA-certified plant passes the same annual third-party audits as other certified manufacturers, but what separates Howe is the scale they have built to serve large DOT work. They handle hard bid, design-build, and public-private partnership contracts for state agencies and city governments across the Southwest. They have supported major events including the Super Bowl, which means they understand the logistics pressure of a hard deadline with zero tolerance for delays. They also rent barriers and relocate contractor-owned units when project phases shift. If your project is measured in hundreds of thousands of dollars and you are working in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, or Nevada, Howe Precast has the inventory depth and production rate to keep your schedule on track.

Best for: Large-scale DOT contractors in the Southwest needing massive temporary barrier inventory and high-volume daily production for projects up to $10 million and above.

Bohlmann Quality Products

• Founded: 1950; over 75 years in continuous operation
• Headquarters: Denison, Iowa; one of the largest concrete manufacturers in western Iowa; ships products nationwide
• Products: Jersey barriers, security barriers (48″ and 96″ decorative models), lightweight linkable 48″ barriers, bollards, and parking curbs; all with reinforced welded steel rebar frames
• Customization: Sherwin Williams concrete stain color options; custom height, size, and aggregate finish; forklift knockouts standard on all barrier models
• Distribution: 100 or more dealers and distributors nationwide; DOT-approved barriers; volume discounts available

Bohlmann has been manufacturing precast concrete in Denison, Iowa since 1950, making them the longest-running operation on this list at over 75 years. They are among western Iowa’s largest concrete producers, with more than 100 dealers and distributors pushing their products nationwide. Every barrier comes with reinforced welded steel rebar frames and standard forklift knockouts built in, which means repositioning units as your work zone moves does not require specialized barrier clamps. You can order custom colors using Sherwin Williams concrete stain and specify aggregate finishes for applications where aesthetics matter alongside function. Their lightweight linkable 48″ barriers are particularly well-suited for temporary setups where you expect to reposition units multiple times over the life of the project. DOT-approved and volume-discounted, Bohlmann is the right call when you need a reliable, customizable product with a deep national dealer network behind it.

Best for: Contractors and municipalities needing DOT-approved barriers with color customization, easy-move forklift knockouts, and access to a 100-plus dealer network for nationwide distribution.

Factors to Consider Before You Order

Picking the wrong provider is not just an inconvenience. On a live roadway project, a non-compliant barrier can shut your job down, trigger fines, and create liability exposure that far exceeds the cost of the barriers themselves. Run through these decision points before you commit.

DOT Compliance and Barrier Specifications

This is the starting point, not an afterthought. Before you place an order, confirm that the barriers match your state and local DOT specifications for the specific type of work zone you are protecting. Requirements vary by state and sometimes by project type within a state. NPCA-certified providers add a meaningful layer of quality control during manufacturing, but certification alone does not guarantee compliance with your specific jurisdiction’s rules. Get the product spec sheets, compare them against your DOT requirements, and confirm in writing before product ships. The same discipline that applies to evaluating vendor compliance as a risk signal applies here: a provider who cannot quickly produce documentation of their DOT approvals is telling you something important about how they operate.

Rental vs. Purchase for Temporary Projects

Short-term construction zones almost always make renting smarter than buying. The math changes based on project duration, relocation frequency, and whether you have storage for owned units between jobs. Illustrative benchmark: contractors running projects under 90 days typically find rental costs run 15 to 30 percent of purchase price, making purchase only sensible if you have three or more projects lined up back to back. Compare rental costs and contract terms against purchase prices based on how long you need the barriers, and confirm whether the provider handles removal and return logistics at project close or whether that falls to you.

Delivery Logistics and Lifting Equipment

Each concrete barrier weighs between 3,400 and 5,400 lbs depending on size and design. You need certified heavy equipment to move and place them safely, and that equipment needs to be on site when the truck arrives. Confirm whether delivery includes barrier clamps or lifting gear and on-site placement assistance, or whether you are responsible for arranging your own equipment. Providers who own their delivery fleets, like Michie Corp, often have more flexibility on placement logistics than brokers who coordinate third-party carriers. The logistics complexity here mirrors what modern supply chain management demands across any heavy goods category: real-time coordination between multiple parties with no margin for miscommunication on delivery day.

Inventory Availability and Lead Times

Construction schedules run tight. Peak season, typically April through October in most U.S. markets, puts pressure on inventory across every major provider. Howe Precast’s 300,000 linear feet of standing inventory is the most visible example of a provider who has built specifically to handle volume demand without lead time surprises. Confirm that the provider stocks enough of your required barrier type and size to cover your full quantity, and get a written commitment on your deployment date before you finalize the order. A provider who hedges on lead times during the sales conversation will hedge again when your delivery date approaches.

Relocation and Removal Support

Work zones move as projects advance through phases. Ask explicitly whether the provider will reposition barriers when your work zone shifts, what that service costs, and how far in advance you need to schedule it. Clarify how removal and return work at project close for rental agreements, including who is responsible for barriers that get damaged during the project. These terms belong in writing before the first unit arrives on site, not in a conversation after something goes wrong.

The providers who have been doing this for 30 to 75 years have seen every project scenario. The ones worth working with will tell you upfront what they cannot do, not just what they can.

Making the Right Call for Your Project

The right temporary concrete barrier provider depends on four variables: your project location, your required barrier type and quantity, your DOT compliance requirements, and whether you are renting or buying. For large Southwest DOT work, Howe Precast’s inventory depth and production rate are hard to match. For New England projects where NPCA certification and local delivery matter, Michie Corp is the regional standard. For Minnesota highway jobs that require integrated road construction capabilities, Valley Paving brings barriers into a full-service scope. For nationwide sourcing speed or access to used inventory, 48 Barriers’ brokerage network covers all 48 states. For projects where customization, forklift-friendly repositioning, and a deep dealer network matter, Bohlmann’s 75-plus years of manufacturing experience is the foundation to build on.

Get quotes from at least two providers before you commit. Confirm DOT compliance documentation before product ships. Verify that delivery logistics cover the heavy equipment your site requires. And build relocation and removal terms into your contract before the first barrier touches the ground. The contractors who do this work without job stoppages are the ones who treat procurement as seriously as they treat the project itself. The connection between supply chain discipline in construction and avoiding costly project delays is direct and well-documented.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Jersey barrier and an F-shape barrier?

Jersey barriers and F-shape barriers are both precast concrete traffic control products, but they have different profiles. The Jersey barrier has a steeper lower slope and a more pronounced upper taper, originally designed to redirect vehicles with minimal lift and rollover risk. The F-shape barrier has a slightly different slope geometry that was developed as a refinement of the Jersey design. Both are used in temporary work zones, but your state DOT specifications will dictate which profile is approved for specific roadway applications. When sourcing, always confirm that the barrier profile you are ordering matches the approved specification for your project jurisdiction, not just the general category of concrete barrier.

How much does it cost to rent temporary concrete barriers?

Rental pricing for temporary concrete barriers varies by provider, region, quantity, and rental duration. As an illustrative benchmark, standard Jersey or F-shape barriers typically rent in ranges from $8 to $25 per unit per month, with delivery, installation, and removal costs added separately. Large-volume orders and longer rental terms generally come with better per-unit rates. Southwest markets and Northeast markets often price differently due to local inventory levels and logistics costs. Always request an all-in quote that includes delivery, placement, any required lifting equipment, relocation if your work zone will move, and end-of-project removal. The unit rental rate alone does not reflect the true cost of a temporary barrier deployment.

What does NPCA certification mean for a concrete barrier manufacturer?

NPCA stands for National Precast Concrete Association. Manufacturers who hold NPCA plant certification have passed annual third-party audits against the association’s quality standards, which cover mix design controls, curing processes, product dimensional tolerances, and documentation practices. For buyers, NPCA certification is one of the most reliable indicators that a manufacturer’s production controls are consistent and that their products are likely to meet DOT inspection requirements. It does not automatically guarantee compliance with every state’s specific barrier specifications, but it significantly reduces the risk of receiving product that fails inspection. When evaluating providers for DOT-regulated projects, NPCA certification should be a baseline requirement, not a bonus.

When should I buy temporary concrete barriers instead of renting them?

Purchasing temporary concrete barriers makes financial sense when you have multiple projects requiring the same barrier type within a 12-month window, when your rental duration would exceed 6 to 9 months on a single project, or when you operate in a market where rental inventory is consistently tight during peak season. Ownership also makes sense for facility operators who need permanent or semi-permanent perimeter protection rather than true temporary work zone applications. The counterargument is storage: concrete barriers are heavy, require significant yard space, and need certified equipment to move. If you do not have the yard and the equipment, the total cost of ownership often exceeds the long-term rental cost when storage and handling are factored in honestly.

What equipment is needed to place temporary concrete barriers on site?

Temporary concrete barriers weigh between 3,400 and 5,400 lbs per unit depending on size and design. Placing them safely requires either a dedicated barrier lift attachment on a telehandler or crane, or a specialized barrier-setting machine. Standard forks on a forklift are not sufficient for most barrier profiles without purpose-built lifting attachments. Some providers, including Bohlmann, design forklift knockouts into their barrier units specifically to make repositioning easier with standard equipment. Before your delivery date, confirm what lifting equipment your provider includes or recommends, and verify that you have the right equipment on site or that your provider is supplying it as part of the service. Discovering this gap on delivery day creates delays and safety risks that are entirely avoidable.