Barricades and Signs was founded on a rural farm in Alberta in 2004 by Robert and Fran van Bruggen, and it has since grown into a provider of traffic control solutions serving the construction industry across Canada. The company has evolved from selling basic traffic signs to manufacturing, selling, servicing, renting and installing a wide range of traffic control products. These include road signs, signposts, delineation devices, message boards, traffic lights, arrow boards, barriers, guardrails and crash cushions. Additionally, Barricades and Signs offers traffic accommodation plans and full-service setup and takedown to support road safety strategies.
What sets Barricades and Signs apart from its competitors is its commitment to building relationships rather than merely processing purchase orders.
“From day one, again, we’ve always been priding ourselves off. It’s about partnerships,” said Dustin Kliss, vice president of business development. “So what that means for us and where we like to drive that difference is, we form the partnership. Although we have grown, we’re still really focused on getting to know you and how we support your business.”
This customer-first approach is deeply rooted in the company’s core values, ensuring they remain a trusted partner in the construction and infrastructure industries.
A journey of growth and innovation
Kliss says the company owes much of its success to its CEO, Jan van Bruggen, who has been instrumental in scaling the business. Through strategic partnerships and diverse product offerings, Barricades and Signs has solidified its place in the market as a leader in traffic control and safety.
“He had the vision to scale this to what it is today,” he said. “What that meant was actually being bold and taking risks and trying innovative new ways into the industry and market. So whether it be different product offerings, different style of vendors or even some strategic partnerships along the way, that’s really helped us evolve from where we were to where we are today.”
Enhancing road safety with high-quality products and services
Barricades and Signs is dedicated to ensuring road safety. It’s more than just road signs – it’s ensuring everyone gets home safely. Whether through permanent installations like guardrails and crash cushions or temporary work zone setups, the company prioritizes the safety of both workers and drivers.
“When you really drive into the essence of what it is we provide, we pride ourselves that we’re providing life-saving devices and services,” said Kliss. Their products protect the work zone, so that workers are protected and drivers know they have to be extra cautious because there are people working nearby. The company takes a strategic and customized approach to selecting products and services for each project. They consider multiple factors such as speed requirements, lane width and urban versus rural settings.
“When you really drive into the essence of what it is we provide, we pride ourselves that we’re providing life-saving devices and services.”
Dustin Kliss, Barricades and Signs
“There are lots of rules and regulations to this. So, [it depends] on the speed requirements, depending on the width of the lanes, urban, rural settings, so on and so forth. We basically evaluate everything that we need to put into our criteria that’ll tell us these certain products will match the spec or this work zone or this application, and these won’t,” Kliss said. “We really take it start to finish and work with the end user to really understand the full scope of what it is they’re up against, where exactly they are and what products are best suited to fulfill that need.”
Leading innovation in traffic control
Innovation is a driving force behind the company’s growth. One example of this is the use of telematics to ensure message boards are functioning properly, optimizing traffic control measures. The company continuously evaluates new products and designs to find the best solutions for different road and construction environments. Kliss says the company analyzes all the options available to ensure it matches what is required.
“We’re always evaluating the products that are coming to market and seeing if there’s new applications, best design, best fit,” he said. “We recognize it’s not a one-size-fits-all industry. Every unique road comes with its own unique parameters.”
Partnering with Aecon’s Deerfoot Trail project
Barricades and Signs has successfully contributed to numerous infrastructure projects, including the Deerfoot Trail project in Calgary, Alta. Partnering with Aecon, the company implemented steel barriers designed to improve both safety and traffic flow.
“We worked with Aecon at the start of the Deerfoot project in Calgary to implement and install steel barriers,” Kliss said. “Again, outside of viewpoint, you look at it and you go, okay, well I see them, but what’s the big deal and what does that really mean for me as a motorist. What that is, is actually innovative to put those in place because it allows the proper deflection so that we were able to keep an additional lane open during that project.”
The solution reduced traffic congestion and delays while maintaining high safety standards for workers and drivers alike. For contractors looking to improve their traffic control measures, Barricades and Signs encourages collaboration.
“Put the trust in us to be your partner,” Kliss said. “We want to make sure everyone goes home safe at the end of the day. What we do for a living is life-saving devices, whether we’re manufacturing, sales, rental service – whatever the case may be.”
Expansion and future growth
Barricades and Signs has expanded beyond Alberta, with locations in Calgary, Edmonton, Manitoba and Regina. Recently, the company was acquired by Universal Group, broadening its reach across Canada from British Columbia to Quebec.
Universal is Canada’s largest provider of traffic management and control services. The company offers a range of solutions, including traffic control personnel, lane closure services, traffic control equipment, traffic management plans and road maintenance.
“It gives us just that next level of intelligence into the business,” Kliss said. “On the forefront, what it does is it gives our customers even more options in terms of product offerings.” Kliss also says the acquisition strengthens the company’s ability to innovate and provide best-in-class safety solutions nationwide.
Barricades and Signs continues to lead the industry with its commitment to safety, innovation and customer partnerships. As they grow, their focus remains on providing cutting-edge traffic control solutions to keep roads and construction sites safe. With a history of bold decision-making and a future of expanded opportunities, the company is poised to make an even greater impact on the construction and infrastructure sectors in Canada.