Texas Transportation Institute

Texas Transportation Institute homepage

When they occur, cross-median crashes typically have a high probability of multiple serious injuries and deaths. Many of these severe cross-median crashes can be prevented with adequate barrier protection. In order to maximize the amount of barrier put in place, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has started to install cable median barrier systems (sometimes referred to as wire rope or wire safety fence) in addition to traditional concrete barriers. Cost data has shown that cable barriers are approximately one-third the cost of concrete barriers per mile, making them a cost-effective option. There have generally been four NCHRP Test Level 3 cable barrier products installed in Texas: (1) Brifen wire rope safety fence, (2) Trinity Industries CASS, (3) Nucor Steel Marion High Tension Cable and (4) Gibraltar. Three NCHRP 350 Level 4 systems are also available for use in Texas. This project will assess and document the in-service performance of the various cable barrier installations in Texas. The research will evaluate TxDOT's experience with cable median barrier by analyzing its installation cost, maintenance costs, maintenance experiences, and crash history before and after implementation. The project will develop recommendations and guidelines to direct TxDOT staff for future cable median barrier installations.