In the world of traffic control, safety and clarity are non-negotiable. At Ikon Traffic, we help construction, engineering, and utility crews safely access Colorado’s roadways with professional traffic control plans and on-site services. One of the most critical pieces of safety equipment we deploy on job sites—especially on high-speed or high-volume roads—is the mobile arrow board.
What Is a Mobile Arrow Board?
A mobile arrow board is a bright, LED-lit directional display used to guide vehicles safely around lane closures, work zones, or incident areas. Arrow boards reduce confusion, improve driver response time, and are often required by MUTCD standards for specific lane or shoulder closures.
These devices come in two primary forms:
1. Trailer-Mounted Arrow Boards
Trailer-mounted arrow boards are towable units that can be quickly deployed at the start of a lane closure or taper. In come cases, a truck can tow multiple trailer-mounted boards.
Best Used For:
-
Night work requiring portable setup
-
Work zones that shift or require flexible positioning
-
Short-term closures or mobile operations
These units offer flexibility and visibility without tying down a truck. Ikon Traffic’s fleet of arrow board trailers are based in Denver, Colorado and ready for deployment across the state.
2. Truck-Mounted Arrow Boards (TMABs)
Truck-mounted arrow boards are fixed to the rear of a work truck or shadow vehicle and often used in dynamic or moving work zones.
Best Used For:
-
Mobile operations (e.g., striping, sweeping, surveying, cable pulling, pot holing)
-
Shadow vehicle protection for crews
-
Work zones on highways or arterial roads
-
Rolling lane closures
Our fleet at Ikon Traffic includes TMAB-equipped trucks that meet state specifications for use on high-speed routes or rolling operations.
When Are Arrow Boards Required in Colorado?
According to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) guidelines, arrow boards are required or recommended in the following scenarios:
-
Lane closures on multi-lane highways (≥45 mph)
-
Taper setups involving lane shifts or merges
-
Shoulder closures when work encroaches into a lane
-
Night operations on high-volume roads
-
Moving closure operations (which are common during SUE operations) where drivers need to respond quickly
Ikon Traffic ensures that every traffic control plan we develop includes arrow board usage where required—so you stay compliant and your crew stays safe.
Why Ikon Traffic Uses the Right Arrow Board for Every Job
Not all traffic control companies understand the difference between the two types of arrow boards or how to deploy them correctly. At Ikon Traffic, we go beyond the basics. We factor in:
-
Road classification and posted speed
-
Lane configuration
-
Work zone duration and type
-
Driver approach time and sight distance
We customize every Traffic Control Plan (TCP) to reflect proper arrow board placement and usage—because compliance isn’t just a box to check. It’s about protecting crews, motorists, and your project’s reputation.
Need Arrow Boards or Full Traffic Control Services in Colorado?
If you’re managing a construction or utility project that requires lane closures, flagging, or TCP submittals, Ikon Traffic has the experience and equipment to deliver. We serve contractors, municipalities, and engineering firms across Colorado with precision and professionalism.
Let’s talk about how we can help your next job run safer and smoother.