Median Barrier End Treatments

Median barriers, similar to roadside barriers, should be introduced and terminated with safety in mind. Openings or breaks in barriers should be kept to a minimum to negate the need for end treatments. Where openings are required, shield barrier ends or, if the median

SGM04a (with non­steel blocks)

TL-3 W6x9 6ft-3 in Two steel W — sections

Two 6 in x 8 in x 14 in timber or plastic 27 in

Approximately 2 ft

Remarks: These systems are semirigid and are satisfactory for use in narrow medians. After typical impacts, the system remains serviceable. Some states use a W-section as a rubrail, centered at 10 in above grade. This modification is appropriate for both the SGM06a and b, and a higher SGM04a and b. By dividing any of these systems into parallel roadside barriers, assuming adequate deflection distance, fixed objects in the median can be effectively shielded,

*6 in x 8 in post and blockout is acceptable

FIGURE 6.29 W-beam (strong-post) median barrier. Conversions: 1 in = 25.4 mm, 1 ft = 0.305 m. (From Roadside Design Guide, AASHTO, Washington, D. C., 2002 and 2006, with permission) is sufficiently wide, flare or offset the barrier. In locations where impacts are likely, end treatments must be crashworthy. Also, they should safely redirect vehicles impacting from the rear, where hits from opposing traffic are likely. Many proprietary devices are available for terminals. Appropriate end terminals for W-beam barriers include the CAT or Brakemaster. For concrete barriers consider the ADIEM, the TRACC, the QuadGuard™, and the REACT-350®. Sand barriers can also be used to shield median barrier ends, particularly where medians are wide and the likelihood of impacts from opposing traffic is low.

FIGURE 6.30 Thrie-beam (strong-post) median barrier. Conversions: 1 in = 25.4 mm, 1 ft = 0.305 m. (From Roadside Design Guide, AASHTO, Washington, D. C., 2002 and 2006, with permission)