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New barricade trailer makes transport
simpler and more efficient

For years, Shoshone East Foreman Carl Horn has struggled with a transportation issue. Not a transportation issue in the general sense of the term, but a literal transport problem that has caused many crews throughout the state substantial grief and strife.

How can barricades be stored and transported in both a simpler and more efficient manner?

“Our barricades are really awkward to move from place to place and it’s something we’ve been trying to find a solution to for years,” said Horn. “I literally have dozens of files containing ideas, drawings, and bids on potential fixes, but nothing ever seemed to be the right fit.”

So year after year Horn’s crew persevered, but never gave up the search for a solution. Then on one fine August Friday, a Transporter article came out detailing advances the Stanley crew had made with collapsing barricades down for transport.

“I read that article and a light immediately went off in my head,” said Horn. “I instantly knew how we could build a trailer that would utilize the Stanley crew’s method and allow for better storage and transport of these items.”

Using a local source, D4 commissioned fabrication of two trailers and the resulting product was better than expected. Although it’s hard to put a number on exactly how much the innovation will save the department in time and money, the new trailer is certain to have a positive impact in many areas.

“We can leave these trailers fully stocked with about a dozen barricades that are ready to pick up and haul whenever and wherever they are needed. This is a big change from having to load and transport only a few barricades at a time,” said Horn.

D4 plans to display the trailers next week during their annual winter kick-off meeting. The goal is to one day have enough trailers available for stations at each main shed throughout the region.