Portable Steel Construction Barriers

[Bitmapped]

I've noticed in the last couple years that a lot of construction projects that require construction barriers have switched to using steel systems instead of the traditional segmented concrete barriers. Here's an example of a steel system along with a transition to a concrete system on I-79 outside Pittsburgh last fall: https://goo.gl/maps/gCo7rEWbcKxJrq7q8

It looks like Zoneguard is the name of at least one steel product. I'm curious if anyone from the engineer/DOT side knows anything about these systems and their sudden adoption. I'm assuming they're cheaper or easier to work with? It seems like these systems are normally anchored into the pavement, which I didn't normally notice with concrete barriers.

[jeffandnicole]

In that instance, those metal barriers are used around an s-curve. I imagine they wanted the lower barrier for sight distance issues since a driver can see possible upcoming congestion over the barrier easier versus PA's normal barrier which is higher.

I've also seen metal barriers used in areas where they need a few extra inches on narrow roadways. A few of DRPA bridges between NJ and Philly switched  to the metal zipper barrier because it yields another 6 inches. Not much overall, but if they can obtain another inch per lane when the lanes aren't the standard 12' wide, they'll take what they can get.

[Darkchylde]

From what I've gathered, the shift towards steel barrier systems like Zoneguard might indeed be influenced by cost and logistical benefits. Steel barriers are typically lighter and more manageable than their concrete counterparts, allowing for quicker deployment and easier transportation. This can be especially valuable in areas needing rapid adjustments or in projects that require frequent reconfiguration of traffic lanes.

The steel systems are also generally easier to anchor into the pavement, which improves stability while reducing the footprint and disruption on the road surface. If you're interested in exploring different construction materials and techniques further, you might find this piece insightful. It discusses the advantages and challenges of using domes in construction, which can be another intriguing aspect of evolving construction practices.

[wanderer2575]

I've seen those a few times, but only in very short segments amidst a long stretch of concrete barriers.  My assumption has been that it's intended to allow emergency vehicles to U-turn, although I don't know how quickly those things can be moved to allow an opening.

[Bitmapped]

I've seen those a few times, but only in very short segments amidst a long stretch of concrete barriers.  My assumption has been that it's intended to allow emergency vehicles to U-turn, although I don't know how quickly those things can be moved to allow an opening.

I've seen a number of projects in WV and PA lately where the steel barriers were used exclusively, sometimes for miles. Here is an example from I-79 outside Pittsburgh last year: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kt2s26J1J9RBjZkL7

[epzik8]

I've seen those a few times, but only in very short segments amidst a long stretch of concrete barriers.  My assumption has been that it's intended to allow emergency vehicles to U-turn, although I don't know how quickly those things can be moved to allow an opening.

I've seen a number of projects in WV and PA lately where the steel barriers were used exclusively, sometimes for miles. Here is an example from I-79 outside Pittsburgh last year: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kt2s26J1J9RBjZkL7

Interestingly, these kinds of barriers are permanent on portions of some of Baltimore's interstates, particularly the Harbor Tunnel which FWIW is a toll road.