As many of you know, we've recently partnered with Ten4 Transport Engineering, based in the North Island – to distribute the Mobile Road Closure Trailer across New Zealand. The Trailer tackles one of our industry's biggest challenges: better protecting road crews by efficiently managing multiple-lane closures. We interviewed Paul to find out how their team combined cutting-edge engineering and input from the temporary traffic management industry to create something that genuinely adds value to our customers and teams.

Read the Interview below. We appreciate Paul's candid thoughts on everything from design challenges to future innovations. If you would like to receive information on the Mobile Road Closure Trailer, please contact RTL on 0800 785 744 or via sales@rtl.co.nz

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What challenges did you set out to solve when designing the Mobile Breach trailer?
The primary challenge was creating a mobile barrier solution that could quickly and safely block off up to six motorway lanes with minimal setup time. Traditional methods were labor-intensive and exposed road crews to high-risk environments. We aimed to solve operational inefficiencies, improve deployment times, and most importantly, increase the safety of both road workers and motorists.

How did your team approach the engineering process to ensure the trailer could protect multiple motorway lanes?
We approached the engineering process by combining robust mechanical design with modular scalability. Our team conducted extensive simulations and field testing to ensure the trailer’s stability and durability when deployed across various road conditions. The final design allows the barrier arm to extend laterally across multiple lanes while maintaining structural integrity and visibility, ensuring it remains effective in high-speed traffic environments.

Which innovative features of the trailer are you most proud of from an engineering perspective?
One standout feature is the fully extendable arm system, which deploys quickly yet remains rigid and secure across multiple lanes. We're also proud of the self-leveling stabilisation system that adjusts for gradients and road camber in real time. This ensures a safe and consistent deployment regardless of terrain. From a design perspective, achieving that combination of strength, speed, and portability was a significant milestone.

How did your team incorporate technology into the design to enhance safety and efficiency?
We integrated sensor systems into the trailer to eliminate operators from moving the unit with the arms are deployed. The solar system has battery level monitoring and we also included high-visibility LED lighting and automated warning systems that activate during both deployment and retraction, reducing human error and increasing on-site awareness.

Where do you see opportunities to further develop the Mobile Breach trailer design in the future?
We see exciting opportunities in automation and AI. Future iterations could include semi-autonomous deployment using GPS positioning or remote operation via a control app and opportunities internationally.

As designers of award-winning road safety equipment, what other innovations is Ten4 currently exploring?
We’re currently exploring smart traffic control systems that integrate vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, allowing dynamic lane management in real time. Another area of focus is modular safety pods that can be rapidly deployed for temporary roadworks or emergency response zones, further enhancing our mission to protect frontline road crews.

How did feedback from road crews influence your design decisions during development?
Road crew feedback was instrumental. We conducted numerous field trials and collected direct input on functionality, weight, visibility, and ease of use. As a result, we made several key adjustments—such as lowering the trailer’s centre of gravity for safer towing, and simplifying the control interface for quick training and intuitive operation. The design is very much shaped by the people who use it.

What does the partnership with RTL mean for the future of the Mobile Breach trailer?
Our partnership with RTL opens up significant opportunities for large-scale deployment and continuous product refinement. RTL brings a wealth of operational experience and access to national transport networks, which allows us to scale up production while maintaining performance and reliability standards. Together, we can expand the reach of the Mobile Breach trailer and continue advancing road safety across the sector.