Concrete Cutting Services: What You Should Know About Barrier Cutting

concrete cutting services

Are you a commercial contractor looking for reliable concrete cutting services for a large project? JP Hogan has many years of experience with concrete cutting, sawing, drilling, and scanning services. So if you’re looking to learn more about barrier cutting or any other service, you’ve come to the right place.

Concrete barriers, also known as “Jersey Barriers,” are cement barricades seen on highways, construction sites, and bridges. These structures may either be operable (can be moved from one location to another) or cast-in-place (permanent).

The purpose of concrete barriers is too direct and control the flow of roadway traffic. Over time, highway systems experience changes, renovations, and additions that call for the removal of these structures. For cast-in-place barriers in particular, this is where barrier cutting or concrete cutting services come into play.

How Do You Remove Concrete Barriers?

A 20-foot concrete barrier can easily weigh at least 8,000 pounds. For operable concrete barriers, heavy vehicles called “zipper machines,” also known as barrier transfer machines, are used to move concrete lane dividers during peak hours to improve traffic flow. However, for cast-in-place concrete barriers, the process is a lot less simple.

Chainsaws, walk-behind saws, portable circular saws, and hydraulic wall saws are some of the most common kinds of saws for concrete cutting applications such as concrete barrier removal. However, modern concrete cutting services now make use of specialized, custom barrier cutting equipment that provides superior capabilities when compared to these other methods.

What Are Professional Barrier Cutting or Concrete Cutting Services?

Barrier cutting or concrete cutting services involve the removal of concrete barriers on roads and highway systems, as well as general concrete cutting for complex construction projects. Professional services make use of specialized equipment to perform these tasks. To provide professional concrete cutting services, a company must be certified according to industry and safety standards, especially when completing projects for large or federal organizations.

What Is “Diamond” Concrete Cutting?

Concrete cutting services make use of diamond blades that provide superior precision when cutting through concrete barriers. Diamond blades, quite simply, are saw blades with edges that have diamonds. They’re primarily used for a number of different applications but mainly for cutting through hard or abrasive surfaces, including but not limited to:

  • Concrete
  • Granite
  • Asphalt
  • Bricks
  • Stone
  • Tile

Because of their high carbon content, diamond blades are stronger than steel or ceramic and can easily slice into any material. In addition, diamond concrete cutting blades are designed to last longer than those on conventional saws, allowing you to get more concrete cutting done in less time.

How Long Does Concrete Cutting Take?

Typically, diamond barrier cutting machines can cover spans of eight to ten feet in one minute. This makes the actual cutting process relatively fast. However, the total time to complete the project depends on several factors, including planning, set-up, and clean-up, as well as the overall scope or size of the job. Basically, diamond concrete cutting services can take anywhere from days to weeks—yet still within a faster time frame than other methods.

Risks Involved in Cutting Concrete

In the absence of adequate safety controls, cutting concrete barriers may release dust that contains silica. Silicosis, a lung illness caused by breathing in this tiny dust, causes scarring and thickening of the lungs and is potentially fatal. For this reason, hiring certified contractors that provide safe and professional concrete cutting services is crucial.

At JP Hogan, we place a premium on creating a risk-free workplace and spreading a culture of safety awareness. We employ diamond blades and bits that are cooled by water and generate a wet slurry rather than breathable dust in the cutting process. Training and inspection programs for the whole field, maintenance facility, and transport operations are managed by a full-time Risk & Safety Manager.

Our staff is educated to prioritize safety at all times. This education serves as the engine that propels our consistent, safety-first work performance. Furthermore, all of our field personnel are Local Law 196 compliant.

JP Hogan’s Concrete Cutting Services

JP Hogan is a specialized barrier cutting and concrete cutting services provider with a history of reliably completing high-quality cutting, coring, and sawing projects on time and on budget. We have been able to get contracts for several government-funded projects because of our extensive background and track record. Some of our past projects include the World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, the Kemsco Rehabilitation Project, the Holland Tunnel, and many more.

At our company, safety and quality are our top priorities. We pride ourselves on safety and training to stay ahead of our industry and continuously better ourselves for our clients. You can view our current certifications here.

A Cutting-Edge Barrier Cutting Solution

Traditional concrete cutting services include the use of a handheld vertical blade to cut through concrete. However, our team at JP Hogan employs next-level barrier cutting technology to make these services more efficient and cost-saving.

Our horizontal cutting machine has the capacity to make a precise horizontal cut along the base of the concrete barrier. This completely free’s it from its attachment to the roadway. Therefore, removing concrete barriers is quicker and more efficient. In turn, our clients can save up to 60% on costs for labor, materials, equipment, and time.

Reputable Concrete Cutting Services in New York and the East Coast

For barrier cutting or concrete cutting services you can trust, JP Hogan is the top choice in New York and the East Coast. We are certified in and currently service the following locations:

  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Maryland 
  • New York
  • New Jersey
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • West Virginia

JP Hogan has completed projects on time and in budget for the industry’s top construction management firms and general contractors. Our commitment to our clients and employees is unparalleled. This is why we’re also proud to have expanded our reach and are now DBE-certified with both the Florida and Georgia transportation departments.


Reach out to schedule concrete cutting services in your area or to receive a free project estimate within 24 hours. Contact us now at (718) 866-1747 (Toll-free: 1-888-574-6426) or fill out or simple online form.

For Emergencies