At a time of year when construction crews are busy improving roads and highways, it’s hard to imagine there was ever a time when traffic cones did not exist. These colorful safety markers are used to divide and merge lane zones, provide direction around short-duration road maintenance and utility work, and warn drivers of unseen hazards like potholes and raised manhole covers. They can also be spotted in parking lots, on athletic fields, and even indoors where extra caution is needed.

Memorial Day is the “unofficial” start of summer – and the kickoff of the busy season when it comes to construction work. This time of year, construction productivity increases in cities and towns across the country, with crews taking advantage of warmer weather and more hours of daylight.