Boom barrier

	Email		Print
	Bookmark		Link

Boom barrier

A boom barrier is a bar, or pole pivoted in such a way as to allow the boom to block vehicular access through a controlled point. Typically the tip of a boom gate rises in a vertical arc to a near vertical position. Boom gates are often counterweight

Counterweight

A counterweight is an equivalent counterbalancing weight that balances a load....
ed, so the pole is easily tipped. Boom gates are often paired either end to end, or offset appropriately to block traffic in both directions. Some boom gates also have a second arm, which pivots on links that allow the second arm to hang 300 to 400 mm below the upper arm when it descends into the horizontal position, in order to increase approach visibility.

Boom gates are typically found at level (rail) crossings

Level crossing

The term level crossing is a crossing on one level ? without recourse to a bridge or tunnel — of a railway line by a road, path, or another railroad....
, drawbridges

Bascule bridge

A bascule bridge is a moveable bridge with a counterweight that continuously balances the span, or "leaf," throughout the entire upward swing in providing clearance for boat traffic....
, parking facilities

Parking

Discussion

Ask a question about 'Boom barrier'

Start a new discussion about 'Boom barrier'

Answer questions from other users

Full Discussion Forum

Encyclopedia

Counterweight

Level crossing

The term level crossing is a crossing on one level ? without recourse to a bridge or tunnel — of a railway line by a road, path, or another railroad....
, drawbridges

Bascule bridge

Parking

Parking is the act of stopping a vehicle and leaving it unoccupied for more than a brief time. Parking on one or both sides of a road is commonly permitted, though often with restrictions....
, checkpoints and entrances to restricted areas. They are also the usual method for controlling passage through toll booths.

Some boom gates are automatic and powered, others are manually operated. Manual gates are sometimes hung in the manner of a normal gate (i.e. hinge

Hinge

A hinge is a type of Bearing that connects two solid objects, typically allowing only a limited angle of rotation between them. Two objects connected by an ideal hinge rotate relative to each other about a fixed axis of rotation ....
d horizontally).

In some places, boom gates are installed across suburban streets as a traffic calming

Traffic calming

Traffic calming is a set of strategies used by urban planners and traffic engineering s which aim to slow down or reduce traffic, thereby improving safety for pedestrians and bicycle-friendlys as well as improving the environment for residents....
measure, preventing through traffic, while allowing authorised

Authorization

Authorization is the function of specifying access rights to resources, which is related to information security and computer security in general and to access control in particular....
vehicle

Vehicle

Vehicles, derived from the Latin word, vehiculum, are non-living means of transport. Most often they are manufactured , although some other means of transport which are not made by humans also may be called vehicles; examples include icebergs and floating tree trunks....
s such as emergency service

Emergency service

Emergency services are organizations which ensure public safety by addressing different emergencies. Some agencies exist solely for addressing certain types of emergencies whilst others deal with ad hoc emergencies as part of their normal responsibilities....
s and bus

Bus

A bus is a road vehicle designed to carry passengers. A bus can generally seat a maximum of anywhere from 8 to 200 passengers; many more passengers than a minivan....
es to take advantage of the shorter and more direct route.

Boom barrier

See also