Cable Median Barriers

Image Source: Washington State DOT

DEFINITION AND DESCRIPTION

Cable barriers are flexible barriers made from steel cables mounted on weak steel posts that mitigate the severity of roadway departure collisions. They capture or redirect errant vehicles and reduce the amount of kinetic energy absorbed by vehicles and their occupants.

Implementation Categories

CONSIDERATIONS

• Maintenance demands for cable barriers are more frequent than for other barrier types.
• Because cable barriers produce larger vehicle deflections than other barrier types, increased clear area is needed.
• Some states are experimenting with cable barriers in narrow medians.
• Cable barriers are more adaptable to slopes typically found in medians.
• AASHTOs Roadside Design Guide (RDG) includes recommendations for using cable median barriers on high-speed roadways with full access control.
• Installing and upgrading roadside barrier systems is a KYTC SHSP Engineering Strategy.

APPLICATION

• May be used on buffered or divided high-speed facilities with full access control or limited access control. Consult KYTC’s Traffic Safety Branch on potential applications.

example

Image Source: Google Earth

Complimentary Countermeasures

• Centerline Buffers
• Increase Use of Roadside Barriers and End Terminals