MEDIAN BARRIERS

Median barriers are longitudinal barriers most commonly used to separate

opposing traffic on a divided highway. They may also be used along heavily
traveled roadways to separate through traffic from local traffic or to separate
high occupancy lanes from general purpose lanes.

Median barriers can reduce the incidence of cross-median crashes, and the
overall severity of such crashes. Their disadvantages are initial cost, an increase
in the number of crashes due to the reduction of recovery area, maintenance
costs associated with increased crashes, and a reduction in median access
opportunities for maintenance and emergency service vehicles.

Standard practice in Europe is to use barriers on all expressway medians less

than 15 m wide. AASHTO guidelines for the use of median barriers on high-speed,
fully controlled-access roadways are:
A barrier is required where the median width is less than 9.1 m and the ADT
is greater than 20,000 vehicles per day.
A barrier is optional for locations with a median width less than 15.2 m and
ADT less than 20,000 vehicles per day.
Where the median with is between 9.1 m and 15.2 m, and the ADT is greater
than 20,000 vehicles per day, a cost/benefit analysis should be conducted to
determine the need for a barrier.

Alternative crashworthy median barrier systems are listed in AASHTO, 2011,

Roadside Design Guide 4th Edition, Table 6-1, and shown in DPWH Highway Safety
Design Standards, Part 1, Road Safety Design Manual Figure 20.12.

MOTORCYCLE FACILITIES

Motorcyclists have a higher risk of being seriously injured in a crash compared to

occupants in automobiles. They are also at risk in crashes with some types of
open-faced traffic barriers. Consideration should be given to modifying barriers
with a lower rubrail and post padding, or replacing them with smooth faced
concrete barriers at locations where motorcycle crashes are occurring.