Go-Barry smart traffic barrier to be rolled out on national road network

The innovation helps create a safer working environment while keeping traffic flowing smoothly. On 25 June 2026, Rijkswaterstaat and Wagenaar Engineering formalised their partnership by signing a two-year contract.

Go-Barry: proven in practice

Over the past few years, the Go-Barry has been tested and refined through a series of pilot projects. The system moves alongside gradually advancing roadworks and offers several benefits:

• continuous physical protection for road workers
• a safer, more orderly work zone
• smoother traffic flow and a more stable traffic situation
• fewer vehicle movements within the work zone, making operations safer and more efficient
• The contract takes effect on 1 July 2026. Under the full-service lease agreement, Wagenaar Engineering will supply the Go-Barry and provide storage, transport, operation and maintenance.
• With the agreement now in place, Rijkswaterstaat is taking the next step: from successful pilots to nationwide deployment. Following extensive testing, the Go-Barry is now ready for use across the national road network.

‘Through this partnership, we’re bringing a proven innovation into everyday use,’ says Bob Demoet, Chief Engineer and Director of Programmes, Projects and Maintenance at Rijkswaterstaat. ‘The Go-Barry gives our road workers better protection and greater peace of mind, while helping traffic continue to flow safely. It’s a practical step towards safer roadworks and a more reliable road network.’

‘We’re proud that the Go-Barry can make such a direct contribution to safer roadworks,’ says Gerwin Wagenaar, Director of Wagenaar Engineering. ‘By combining advanced engineering with practical experience, we've developed a solution that protects road workers while making work on site safer and more predictable.’

Nationwide roll-out begins

The contract enables Wagenaar Engineering to scale up production and delivery of new Go-Barry units.

By early 2026, around 500 metres of Go-Barry were available for use. Capacity will increase by approximately 300 metres each quarter, reaching around 1,400 metres in total.

To support the roll-out, Rijkswaterstaat has set up a dedicated support team to help project teams work with the new system. This will allow contractors and project teams to gain experience with the technology and support its wider use in road maintenance and construction projects.

Working together on safer roadworks

The Go-Barry was developed through close collaboration between Rijkswaterstaat and industry partners. The pilot projects have generated valuable insights into how roadworks can be carried out more safely. These lessons will help further improve working methods and may eventually lead to updates to national guidelines.

Smart mobility innovations such as the Go-Barry are helping Rijkswaterstaat improve road safety, accessibility and the efficiency of the national road network. The nationwide roll-out shows how practical innovations can make roadworks safer for those carrying them out while reducing disruption for road users.