Michigan Becomes 18th State to Switch to New Construction Barrel

Like 17 other states, Michigan is planning to switch to a new construction barrel design which features fluorescent reflective sheeting on the orange and white stripes. This sheeting is supposed to make the barrels easier to see in low-light conditions.

Just how much this barrel switch will cost is up for debate. The Michigan DOT estimates it will cost less than $2 million over four years because suppliers are offering discounted prices of $51 to $85 per barrel. The actual costs of the new barrels ranges from $73 to $112 each.

Even with a sale price, estimates show the new barrels could cost between 32% to 43% more than the old barrel model. However, while MDOT acknowledges the new barrels will come at a higher cost than then old model, it also claims the new models will increase safety.

(more on Michigan's switch to a new construction barrel model...)