Increase Use of Roadside Barriers and End Terminals

DEFINITION AND DESCRIPTION

When it is not feasible to remove or relocate a roadside obstacle, it may be shielded by a longitudinal traffic barrier or crash cushion. A roadside barrier redirects or contains errant vehicles. Examples include guardrail, cable rail, and concrete barriers. 

Barrier end treatments (e.g., anchorages, terminals, crash cushions) are modifications installed at the ends of roadside or median barriers.

The Crash Modification Factor (CMF) Clearinghouse contains several CMFs for adding new guardrail along embankments. Guardrail installations can reduce run-off-road injury crashes by up to 47% and fatal crashes up to 44%.

Implementation Categories

CONSIDERATIONS

• The Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) provides guidelines for crash testing safety features on National Highway System (NHS) facilities.
• May require additional width.
• Consider review and evaluation of barriers and end treatments on low-volume facilities off the NHS.
• KYTC’s Guardrail Rating Program prioritizes guardrail installation.

APPLICATION

• Prioritize candidate locations based on crash data, traffic volumes, and roadway characteristics (e.g., curvature, lane width).

example

Complimentary Countermeasures

• Cable Median Barriers
• Median Barriers on Undivided Roadways