Longitudinal Channelizing Devices (LCD) in Florida & Georgia

When you're working on highways where cars travel 60, 70, or 80 miles per hour, regular traffic control isn't enough. You need equipment that can protect your crew if a vehicle crashes into the work zone. That's what longitudinal channelizing devices do. Sun State Traffic Control provides LCDs and truck mounted attenuators throughout Florida and South Georgia for highway construction, bridge repairs, striping operations, and any work where high speeds meet construction zones.

Our LCDs meet NCHRP 350 crash test standards. They're approved by FDOT and GDOT for highway work. When a car hits one of these devices, the equipment absorbs the impact energy and redirects the vehicle away from workers. It could save someone's life.

What Are Longitudinal Channelizing Devices?

LCDs look similar to regular traffic drums, but they're built completely different. Regular drums just mark lanes. If a car hits them, they fly apart or fall over. LCDs are connected together in a line. When a vehicle strikes the array, the devices stay linked and guide the car back into the travel lane instead of letting it crash through into the work area.

Think of it like guardrails you can move. The LCD system runs parallel to your work zone, creating a barrier between traffic and workers. Each unit has a cushioned base designed to absorb impact. The units connect with cables or hinges so they move as one system when hit. This keeps errant vehicles from plowing straight through into where people are working.

Truck Mounted Attenuators

A truck mounted attenuator, or TMA, is crash protection equipment mounted on the back of a truck. The truck drives slowly ahead of moving operations like striping, pothole repair, or lane marker installation. If a car rear ends the truck, the attenuator absorbs most of the impact energy before it reaches the truck cab or the workers ahead.

TMAs are required by FDOT and GDOT for many types of moving highway work. The truck becomes a shadow vehicle that protects crews working in live traffic lanes. Our TMA trucks come with trained operators who understand how to position the vehicle for maximum protection.

Portable Concrete Barriers

For longer term projects, portable concrete barriers provide the strongest protection. These are actual concrete walls that can be moved with special equipment. They weigh thousands of pounds each. When a vehicle hits them, the barriers barely move. The vehicle stops completely.

We use portable barriers for projects lasting weeks or months where workers are continuously exposed to high speed traffic. Bridge rehab projects. Long sections of paving. Major utility installations. Anywhere the risk is high and the duration is long.

When Projects Require LCDs

Interstate Highway Work

Any construction on I75, I95, I10, I4, or other interstates in Florida needs serious crash protection. Traffic moves at 70 mph or faster. Vehicles weigh thousands of pounds. If someone isn't paying attention or loses control, regular drums won't stop them. LCDs and TMAs are usually required by your traffic control plan and FDOT specifications.

High Speed State Roads

Four lane highways with 55 or 60 mph speed limits present similar dangers. US 301. SR 200. US 441. These roads carry heavy traffic at high speeds. GDOT and FDOT often require positive protection devices when lane closures reduce the buffer between traffic and workers.

Moving Operations

Striping trucks, crack sealing operations, and pothole repair crews work while moving slowly down the road. They can't close lanes completely because they're constantly moving. A TMA truck following behind creates a protective shadow. If someone doesn't see the work crew and doesn't slow down, they hit the attenuator instead of hitting workers or equipment.

Night Work on Highways

Visibility drops at night even with work lights. Drivers get tired. Reaction times slow. Night work on highways needs extra protection. LCDs with reflective markings and flashing lights give drivers something bright and obvious to see. TMAs with arrow boards direct traffic away from the work area.

Why Contractors Choose Our LCD Service

Equipment That Meets Standards

Every LCD unit and TMA we rent has current NCHRP 350 certification. We maintain detailed documentation showing crash test approval. FDOT and GDOT inspectors recognize our equipment and approve it for highway projects. You won't have permit problems or inspection failures because of equipment issues.

Trained TMA Operators

Operating a TMA truck takes special training. The driver needs to maintain exact speeds and positioning while watching for erratic traffic. Our operators are certified and experienced. They know how to protect your crew effectively. You don't have to train your own people or worry about doing it wrong.

Quick Response for Highway Projects

Highway work often has tight windows. Lane closures might only be approved for certain hours. Weather delays push schedules around. You need equipment when you need it. We stock LCDs and have TMA trucks ready to roll. Call us and we can often get equipment to your site same day in most parts of Florida and South Georgia.

Proper Installation and Positioning

LCDs only work if they're set up correctly. Spacing matters. Alignment matters. Connection strength matters. Our crews know FDOT and GDOT requirements for LCD installation. We don't just deliver the equipment. We help you position it according to your traffic control plan specifications.

Getting LCD Equipment for Your Project

Review Your Traffic Control Plan

Your FDOT or GDOT approved traffic control plan shows exactly what positive protection devices you need. Send us a copy and we'll provide exactly what the plan specifies. We can also help if you're still in the planning stage and aren't sure what equipment your project requires.

Reserve Equipment Early

Highway projects often happen during the same seasonal windows. Spring and summer are busy times. Reserve your LCD equipment and TMA trucks as soon as you know your project dates. We'll block out what you need so it's available when your lane closures start.

Delivery and Setup

We transport LCDs and position them at your work site. For TMA operations, our certified operator arrives in the equipped truck and works under your project supervisor's direction. Everything arrives ready to meet FDOT and GDOT inspection requirements.

Ongoing Support

Highway projects can last weeks or months. LCDs need adjustment as work progresses. Equipment gets moved, repositioned, or damaged by impacts. We provide ongoing support throughout your project timeline. Damaged units get swapped out. Additional equipment gets added if work zones expand. You stay in compliance from start to finish.