If you’ve ever pulled into a commercial parking lot, you’ve likely seen them—those short, sturdy posts lining the perimeter of buildings, entryways, or pedestrian areas. They’re called parking lot bollards and serve a much bigger purpose than simply guiding traffic. At American Pavement Solutions, we understand that every detail of your parking lot—from the striping to the security features—plays a role in safety and efficiency. So what exactly are bollards, and why should you consider them for your Green Bay property?
How Do Parking Bollards Work?
Parking lot bollards are upright posts made from durable materials like steel, concrete, or plastic. Depending on your needs, they can be fixed in place or removable. Bollards work by creating a physical and visual barrier between vehicles and sensitive areas, such as building entrances, pedestrian walkways, storefronts, and loading zones.
Some bollards are decorative, while others are reinforced for impact resistance. In areas with high traffic or risk of vehicle collision, bollards are often installed deep into the ground and may even be filled with concrete or reinforced with steel cores to absorb impact and stop a vehicle in its tracks.
What Is the Purpose of a Bollard?
The primary purpose of a parking lot bollard is safety and access control. In a parking lot setting, that can mean several things:
- Protecting pedestrians: Bollards create a clear separation between walkways and vehicle lanes.
- Securing buildings can prevent vehicles from crashing into storefronts or critical infrastructure.
- Controlling traffic flow: Bollards help direct drivers and prevent illegal or unsafe parking.
- Defining boundaries: Bollards clarify property lines and prevent encroachment, especially in shared lots.
Whether you’re managing a retail center, hospital, or industrial site in Green Bay, installing bollards can reduce risk and improve traffic flow in and out of your space.
What Crimes Do Bollards Prevent?
While bollards can’t stop every threat, they do help prevent specific crimes and safety hazards, especially those involving vehicles:
- Smash-and-grab robberies: Bollards prevent vehicles from ramming through storefronts to commit theft.
- Vehicular attacks: Bollards help protect against intentional or accidental vehicle intrusions in areas with high pedestrian traffic.
- Vandalism: Well-placed bollards can deter unauthorized vehicle access after hours, reducing the risk of damage to landscaping, lighting, or infrastructure.
- Hit-and-run damage: Strategic placement near building corners or loading docks can prevent costly impacts from delivery vehicles or distracted drivers.
Bollards act as both a physical and psychological deterrent to crime. They send a clear signal: This area is protected.
How Much Does a Parking Bollard Cost?
The cost of installing a parking bollard varies widely depending on several factors:
- Material type: Steel and concrete bollards are more expensive than plastic or removable models.
- Installation: Fixed, in-ground bollards require excavation and concrete work, which adds to labor costs.
- Finish and design: Decorative bollards with powder-coated finishes or custom colors may carry a premium.
- Quantity: Installing multiple bollards as part of a larger traffic or safety plan can lower the per-unit cost.
On average, basic parking bollards cost around $300–$600 each for materials and installation. Heavy-duty or reinforced models, depending on the specifications, can range from $800 to over $1,500 per unit.
At American Pavement Solutions, we can evaluate your lot and provide a custom quote based on your safety goals and site conditions.
Ready to upgrade the safety and structure of your parking lot?
Contact American Pavement Solutions in Green Bay today to learn more about parking lot bollards and our full range of asphalt maintenance and safety solutions.