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Benefits
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Successful applications: Using cable barrier systems to meet local needs
The North Carolina and Oregon DOTs completed detailed in-service evaluation reports of cable barrier systems and found that the systems were nearly 100 percent effective in preventing deadly crossover crashes on freeways. Cable median barriers have been successful in South Carolina, where three-strand cable systems were installed in areas with multiple median crossover crashes. From August 2000 through July 2003, the South Carolina cable median system was hit 3,000 times, but only 15 vehicles penetrated the cables. In addition, Oklahoma and several other State DOTs recently installed proprietary cable barrier systems with reported success.
Some motorcyclists have expressed concerns over cable barriers. Researchers in the United Kingdom, however, found little difference between crashes into cable median barriers and other barrier types. According to the data, most riders are separated from their motorcycles soon after leaving the pavement and are sliding on the ground by the time they reached the barrier. The data also did not show that cable barriers cause extraordinary injuries.
Deployment Statement
The increased use of cable barriers in relatively wide medians where a barrier is warranted will decrease the number of severe cross-median crashes. Cable barriers are cost effective because they are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of barriers. They also perform better than other barriers when installed on the moderately sloping terrain common to many existing medians.
Deployment Goal
The goal is for every State to review its median crossover crash history to identify locations where cable median barriers may be warranted and to implement appropriate construction projects that use cable median barriers.
Deployment Status
Many State DOTs have independently assessed the extent of their median crossover problem and have modified the barrier warrants established in the late 1970s. Most of these States also have installed a significant number of cable barriers, including both the generic, lower-tension design and hightension patented cable barriers. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) is modifying its median barrier warranting criteria to reflect current trends, an action that will lead to the installation of additional median barriers in many States.
Additional Resources
Guidelines for median barrier warrants, selection, and installation are contained in AASHTO's 2002 Roadside Design Guide. Information on crash-tested cable barriers can be found at http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/report350hardware/ under Longitudinal Barriers, using the keywords, "Cable Barriers." To learn more about AASHTO-TIG's approved technologies, visit http://tig.transportation.org.
Nick Artimovich, FHWA Office of Safety
nick.artimovich@fhwa.dot.gov, 202-366-1331
Frank Julian, FHWA Resource Center
frank.julian@fhwa.dot.gov, 404-562-3689
To request additional copies of this publication, contact:
TaMara McCrae
FHWA Corporate Research, Technology, and Innovation Management
Phone: 202-493-3382
E-mail: tamara.mccrae@fhwa.dot.gov