Working near active traffic can create different equipment needs depending on the job. Learn what to consider when planning truck-mounted attenuator rentals for highway and utility projects.
Highway construction and utility work often place crews alongside active traffic. As organizations prepare for these projects, planning for the equipment needed to support traffic control operations is an important part of the process.
A truck-mounted attenuator (TMA), also referred to as a crash attenuator truck, acts as a mobile crash cushion that helps protect crews if an errant vehicle enters the work zone. Evaluating job site conditions before work begins helps identify when a truck-mounted attenuator rental may be required to enhance crew safety.
The need for a truck-mounted attenuator often depends on the conditions surrounding the work area. While state regulations can influence when a TMA is required, a thorough job site assessment can help organizations identify areas where additional protection should be incorporated into the project plan.
Traffic speed is one of the first considerations, particularly when crews are working alongside high-speed roadways. Traffic volume also plays a role, as heavier congestion can increase the number of vehicles passing near the work area. Site conditions such as blind curves, hills, limited sightlines and narrow shoulders can further influence where a truck-mounted attenuator may be needed.
Project duration may also influence equipment decisions. Some organizations choose to rent a truck-mounted attenuator only for phases of work taking place near active traffic rather than owning equipment that may not be needed year-round.
Truck-mounted attenuators support a variety of roadway and infrastructure activities that require temporary traffic control. While each job presents different traffic control requirements, these are some of the most common applications.
Highway and road construction: Lane closures, shoulder work and pavement rehabilitation often place crews near moving traffic, making TMA trucks a common part of the overall safety plan.
Utility work along roadways: Overhead and underground utility projects frequently require crews to work near active roadways as they move between installation and maintenance locations.
Emergency response and incident management: Crash trucks can help protect temporary work zones during roadway incidents, cleanup efforts and other emergency situations.
Striping, signage and pavement marking: These activities often require work to take place within or adjacent to travel lanes, creating a need for work zone protection as crews progress along the roadway.
Bridge and infrastructure maintenance: Inspection, repair and maintenance work on bridges and other transportation infrastructure may require truck-mounted attenuators to help protect crews working near live traffic.
No two projects are exactly alike. Some take place along busy highways where crews work beside live traffic, while others occur on lower-volume roadways with minimal traffic. Evaluating those conditions before work begins can help organizations determine whether a truck-mounted attenuator should be included as part of the overall job plan.
For example, consider a contractor preparing for a highway improvement project. Work will take place along an active roadway, and crews will move between multiple work areas as the project progresses. Before securing a crash truck, the fleet manager may consider questions such as:
Where will crews be working? Projects that require work within or alongside active travel lanes may require additional protection throughout the job.
What conditions exist along the roadway? Traffic speed, limited sightlines and the overall work zone layout can all influence where a truck-mounted attenuator is needed.
Will work remain in one location or move throughout the day? Projects with mobile work zones may require equipment that can move with crews as work progresses.
What regulations apply to the job? TMA requirements can vary by state, so organizations should review applicable state regulations and MUTCD guidance when planning for the work. PTR’s truck-mounted attenuators are built to meet equipment requirements across all 50 states, helping simplify fleet planning for organizations working across state lines.
Who will operate the equipment? PTR's Class 7 truck-mounted attenuators have a GVWR under 26,000 pounds, allowing qualified drivers to operate the truck without requiring a CDL.
Not every project requires a truck-mounted attenuator for its entire duration. For organizations that need additional traffic control protection during specific phases of the work, rental provides a flexible way to align equipment with job demands.
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