The Future of Traffic Control Products — and How AWP Safety Is Getting Customers Ready

Traffic control products are changing fast. Smarter work zones, heavier vehicles, and evolving testing standards are reshaping what agencies and contractors expect, from cones and cushions to smart work zone technology. 

In AWP Safety’s West Division, a product team with more than 100 years of combined experience is focused on one goal —  keeping customers ahead as infrastructure and work zone needs evolve. 

“We evaluate which technologies and products are proven, which are still emerging, and which will actually work in everyday conditions,” says Jon Lang, vice president of product strategy. “Our role is to separate what’s interesting from what’s essential — so we can guide customers toward solutions that improve safety without adding unnecessary complexity.”

AI and electrification are changing the world of traffic control products 

One of the most significant trends is the rise of connected work zones. Arrow board, message board, and personal protective equipment manufacturers are innovating products that communicate directly with navigation platforms, vehicles and individuals. 

For example, safety vest designers are testing wearable technology that alerts workers to a safety threat before a work zone is breached.

Another trend is the rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs). Heavy EV batteries dramatically increase crash forces, which has serious implications for guardrail, crash cushions and other protective systems originally designed for lighter vehicles. Manufacturers are now reassessing products to ensure they stand up to EVs’ higher-energy impacts.

AWP Safety closely tracks these developments through industry events and ongoing conversations with key manufacturers and customers. 

Delivering Flexibility, Speed and Core Traffic Control Product Essentials

AWP Safety’s West Division serves municipal and road construction customers across California. There, many customers rely on AWP Safety as a strategic supplier for traffic control products like barricades, water-filled crash cushions and cones. The company also offers related solutions like pavement marking equipment and materials. 

The team only sells high-quality products that AWP Safety uses in its own traffic control services business, from manufacturers like Lindsay, JBC Safety and Traffix Devices. Close vendor partnerships ensure customers get the products they need, quickly.

“Our goal is to be masters in our area of expertise and what we offer,” says Vance Ezell, product specialist.  “That’s how we deliver real value.”

California sees its share of unpredictable events that can quickly change customer needs and deplete entire product inventories within days. Natural disasters, major sporting events, and even sudden statewide pedestrian safety upgrades have meant customers — and AWP Safety — need to adjust quickly. 

It’s part of why forecasting matters and why customer-focused agility matters even more.

“During COVID, we helped close major streets for outdoor dining,” says Michael Griffiths, sales coordinator. “The next emergency will look different, but we’ll be ready.” 

Why Experience Matters More Than Ever

Industry retirements and turnover means fewer people have lived through major standards changes, new product launches, and previous market cycles. AWP Safety’s product team is the exception.

With 100+ years of expertise, the team has seen multiple generations of products, watched approval processes evolve, and built long-standing relationships with vendors and customers. That depth of knowledge is critical as customers plan their 2026 work. 

 

 

Michael Griffiths, Sales Coordinator
Industry Experience: 35 Years

“Our reliability has led to great relationships like with the city of San Jose. If one of their inspectors sees something they don’t like on a contractor’s job site, they give them our business card and say ‘don’t come back out here until you’ve called AWP Safety for help.”

 

Vance Ezell, Product Specialist
Industry Experience: 23 Years

“We have a broad portfolio, but only invest in products and technologies that truly support customer needs. Our legacy of expertise, forecasting and listening to customers guild our investments.”

 

Jon Lang, Vice President, Product Strategy
Industry Experience: 12 Years

“We are customer driven. Beyond our core product line, we place more than 1,000 special orders annually to get customers exactly what they need in the right place at the right time. It’s a differentiator.”

 

Antony Wood, Purchasing Manager
Industry Experience: 31 Years

“Our portfolio is vast to accommodate the diverse geographic regions and local compliance requirements throughout California. We track and follow the trends to be ready for what they need.”

The One-Stop Model

California is a self-performing state when it comes to traffic control. Many California contractors start the year purchasing traffic control equipment to do it themselves. But as job bidding increases and their work crews are stretched thin, many need third-party support to maintain safety across their worksites. 

“They focus on their core work and then say, ‘Let’s sub this out to the traffic control company,’” Griffiths explains. “Often, they see so much value in our service that we become their go-to partner for proactive traffic control planning, permitting and flagging —with a seat at the table earlier in the process.” 

This is the power of AWP Safety’s one-stop model. Customers can team up with AWP Safety for a holistic traffic control program with expert services and the ability to buy and  rent additional tools and supplies — all from one seasoned partner.

Connect with AWP Safety

To learn more about how AWP Safety can help make your next project a success, submit a request.  An AWP Safety expert will respond within 24 hours.