Cable Median Barriers - MnDOT

How they work

The barriers are made of three or four steel cables strung on posts. When a car hits the barrier, the posts break and the cables flex, absorbing much of a crash’s kinetic energy. This redirects the vehicle along the median, preventing a cross-median crash.

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When a vehicle hits a section of cable barrier, maintenance crews can repair the damaged section quickly. The barriers are carried on steel posts that slide into buried sleeves. If the barrier is damaged, the posts slide out easily to allow a new cable section to be installed.

In addition to the ability to lessen crash severity, the cable barriers cost less than permanent concrete barriers. The barriers are usually installed in highway sections that include entrance and exit ramps that lead to traffic weaving or a change in the number of lanes that can result in crashes or near-crashes.

As traffic volumes have grown, Minnesota has experienced an increase in cross-median crashes. Installing cable median barriers in strategic locations is an effective method to prevent these often tragic crashes.

Motorcyclist benefit

Motorcyclists benefit from cable median barriers by keeping other vehicles from crossing the median into their path. This video (WMV 3.5 MB) shows how close one motorcyclist came to being hit by an oncoming vehicle. If this location had a cable median barrier installed it would have easily prevented the vehicle from crossing the median.

Cable barrier in the news

You may have heard about high tension cable barrier in the news recently. HTCB has proven to be one of the most effective tools available to transportation engineers for reducing fatal and life-changing cross-median crashes. Here's some more in-depth background:

MnDOT implemented a Toward Zero Deaths Program in . This program is a partnership between the Minnesota State Patrol, the Minnesota Department of Health and MnDOT in which we work together and with local safety partners to reduce fatal and serious crashes on Minnesota roadways. Since , we have seen a reduction in highway fatalities from 655 deaths in to 395 deaths in . HTCB is one of the engineering tools that have helped us reduce deaths and life-changing crashes.

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HTCB was first installed in Minnesota in . Since that time, it has proven to be 95 percent effective at reducing Minnesota fatal and life-changing crashes caused by vehicles crossing the median into oncoming traffic. Similar results have been found in many other states, as documented in the National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report 711 completed in .

MnDOT estimates that over 100 lives have been saved since HTCB was first installed. MnDOT acknowledges that there is an increase in property damage crashes associated with HTCB near the roadway edge. We believe this is an acceptable risk given the effectiveness of the cable at preventing fatal and serious crashes.

HTCB is one of the most versatile and forgiving barriers built. It is designed so that when struck, the posts break and the cables flex to absorb the vehicles kinetic energy and redirect the vehicle along the barrier. This barrier design was developed in Europe and only became available in the United States in early . With more traditional rigid systems, such as plate beam guardrail, there is a greater likelihood that the vehicle will be redirected back to the shoulder or lanes of traffic. Each barrier system has its application. Rigid barriers are very effective at preventing vehicles from leaving the road and hitting fixed objects, going over steep embankments, or crossing into nearby traffic when there is no space to provide a wide median to separate the traffic.

As explained in NCHRP Report 711, there are limited locations where HTCB can be laterally placed in the median. One is near the shoulder as you see along the metro freeways. The other location is near the ditch bottom - if the ditch cross section and soil conditions are appropriate. Unfortunately, median ditches are often wet and too soft to support the cable and allow it to perform as designed, so that is why so many locations have the barrier installed nearer the shoulder.

Barrier cables, also known as guard cables or wire rope safety barriers, play a critical role in ensuring the safety of vehicles and pedestrians. These post-tensioned steel-stranded restraints can withstand significant force, making them ideal for parking garages and similar structures.

Applications of Barrier Cables:

• High-strength fencing
• Roadway barriers
• Barrier replacement on existing structures
• Safety code upgrades
• Aesthetic and secure restoration projects
• Retrofits to add steel cables

Types of Barrier Cables:

• Galvanized Barrier Cables: The most common type, coated with zinc to prevent corrosion.
• Plastic Coated Barrier Cables: Sheathed in plastic to prevent rust and allow color customization, like post-tensioning tendons.

Key Components of Barrier Cable Systems:

• Cables: Available in various thicknesses but typically are half an inch.
• Posts: Made of steel or concrete, calculated for optimal distance and type.
• Intermediate Supports: Control deflection and prevent sagging over continuous runs.
• Anchorages and End Fittings: Essential for attaching cables to posts and ensuring system performance.

CMC is a leader in designing, fabricating, installing, and servicing high-quality barrier cable systems. Our team adheres to all Post-Tensioning Institute guidelines, ensuring your system is safe and sturdy.

Ready to enhance your project with our world-class barrier cable systems? Learn more about CMC barrier cable services in your area.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Cable Barrier System(bn,pt,sk). Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.