Jersey Wall or Jersey Barrier

[andy3175]

Hi all,

Can anyone let me know whether "jersey wall" or "jersey barrier" or "concrete jersey wall barrier" or ... is the correct term for K-rail concrete barrier installed in the middle of a freeway? Here is a message I had received for which I could use some guidance from the forum users:

"I noticed the use of the incorrect terminology, \"Jersey barrier\" in the I80 article--maybe it was Nebraska &or Bay area, I forget exactly.
This is an error common to persons here in the west (california) (and, I suppose, to others not near the east coast. It seems people visit or come in contact with \"urban easterners\" and hear but forget the exact terminology. The terminology intending to be used (in the aaroads articles and elsewhere) is, in actuality, \"Jersey wall\" not Jersey barrier. By definition (and original colloquial usage), Jersey wall is the colloquial expression that has come into more widespread usage since the original coining of \"jersay wall\" (denoting a prefabricated--thus easily tranported/relocated--concrete barrier which has been daisy chained to form a dividing impediment, a wall, separating lanes of traffic. Thus we refer, more colorfully than mere \"concrete lane/road divider, to such lane barricades as \"Jersey wall.\" Now, if the terminilogy is to be used where the reader (or the writer) might be deemed uncertain as to meaning, then we could properly ammend the usage to say, Jersey-wall barrier...median, divider, center-divide, center-reservation ..... and what not. But never, jersey barrier which, not only reveals misinformed writer but would be confusing to the reader as to why we could not just say barrier, or concrete barrier. In effect, Jersey wall, in and of itself always denotes a barrier that is solid (concrete) as opposed to the post and railing barriers formely in common use. Thank you and please write if further explanation or clarification is needed."

You can see an example on the cover of our CA 91 page:

https://www.aaroads.com/california/ca-091.html

Thanks,
Andy

[Duke87]

I've never heard it called a "jersey wall".

[Scott5114]

The Wikipedia article notes both terms but then uses "Jersey barrier" consistently throughout the text.

A FHWA PDF uses Jersey barrier with no mention of "Jersey wall".

[NE2]

Misinformed writer is revealed: http://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Agov+%22jersey+barrier%7Cwall%22

[agentsteel53]

I had never heard of a "Jersey wall" before, while I had heard of "Jersey barrier" going back to when I was a kid... so that appears to be the Massachusetts terminology as well.

[hbelkins]

I thought "Jersey barrier" was a roadgeek term. I heard a NASCAR announcer use the term once during a broadcast, which surprised me.

[3467]

Years ago in Illinois they were simply called crash barriers. Also what is called rubbernecking in the East is referred to as Gaper Block in Chicago

[deathtopumpkins]

I've heard both terms used, even by non-roadgeeks, though overwhelmingly "jersey barrier."

Also what is called rubbernecking in the East is referred to as Gaper Block in Chicago

Not all of the east - I've only heard that term spoken a handful of times in my life. In Virginia it was always "onlooker delays" in things like traffic reports, and I've yet to hear it mentioned at all in Mass.

[ghYHZ]

Jersey Barrier......a common term used here in the Maritime Provinces by DOT and contractors. Even one of the local concrete suppliers refers to them as a "Shaw Jersey Barrier"  (scroll to bottom of page):

http://www.shawpipe.com/spec_barriers.aspx

[roadfro]

This person took a lot of words (and unnecessary slashes and quotes) to say what could've been summed up in 3 sentences...

"Jersey barrier" is certainly the more common and accepted usage. The term is often used not only for actual Jersey barriers, but now seems to be an all-encompassing term for the F-shape barrier, constant slope barrier, "K-rail" and any other concrete barrier wall used on a highway facility in the US. It's similar to how "Kleenex" is a specific brand name, but has evolved into a common term for 'facial tissue'.

I've heard the term "Jersey wall" a couple times before, and it was easily understood in the context that it was in reference to a Jersey barrier.

[Alex]

This person took a lot of words (and unnecessary slashes and quotes) to say what could've been summed up in 3 sentences...

The slashes were inserted via magicquotes in our php message form. I did not write the original script and would like to get rid of them/turn them off.

[formulanone]

Is there a separate term for the "removable" barriers, the ones that have two indents for a forklift to place them?


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Road_block.jpg

[Michael in Philly]

I've heard both terms used, even by non-roadgeeks, though overwhelmingly "jersey barrier."

Also what is called rubbernecking in the East is referred to as Gaper Block in Chicago

Not all of the east - I've only heard that term spoken a handful of times in my life. In Virginia it was always "onlooker delays" in things like traffic reports, and I've yet to hear it mentioned at all in Mass.

When I was in the Washington area, it was called - boringly - "looking across."  "Gaper delay" is favored in Philadelphia; I've only heard "rubbernecking" in the New York area.

Now back to the original topic - speaking as a native New Jerseyan and lifelong Easterner - I always just called it a "divider."

[allniter89]

I've heard both terms used, even by non-roadgeeks, though overwhelmingly "jersey barrier."

Also what is called rubbernecking in the East is referred to as Gaper Block in Chicago

Not all of the east - I've only heard that term spoken a handful of times in my life. In Virginia it was always "onlooker delays" in things like traffic reports, and I've yet to hear it mentioned at all in Mass.

When I was in the Washington area, it was called - boringly - "looking across."  "Gaper delay" is favored in Philadelphia; I've only heard "rubbernecking" in the New York area.

Now back to the original topic - speaking as a native New Jerseyan and lifelong Easterner - I always just called it a "divider."

What does "gaper" mean?

[Scott5114]

A gaper would presumably be one who stares agape, completely transfixed at the scene.

[roadfro]

Is there a separate term for the "removable" barriers, the ones that have two indents for a forklift to place them?

Same term, just a portable version.