The portable traffic barrier with illuminated message display includes at least one lightweight panel having a rigid frame and a matrix of separate illumination units therein. The illumination units are flexibly secured to one another within the panel by links extending between adjacent units. Each illumination unit includes two mutually opposed faces, either or both faces providing illumination from a plurality of small lighting elements (e.g., LEDs) therein. Some of the units may be non-illuminated, if desired. The panel includes an electrical power supply capable of providing power to the illumination units from a solar panel, a portable electrical supply, or from the local power grid, if available. In at least one embodiment, the panel may be folded in accordion fashion for more compact storage when not deployed. A plurality of such panels may be interconnected mechanically and electrically to provide a comprehensive traffic message, if desired.