Highway Barriers

Cable barriers prevent 95 to 97 percent of vehicles from crossing the median. Washington State DOT documented a 63 percent reduction in cross-median fatalities on corridors where cable barrier was installed. Similar results have been reported by Colorado, Oregon, and Utah DOTs.

Four-cable systems can be installed in medians as narrow as 16 feet. Three-cable systems typically require 24 feet minimum to accommodate dynamic deflection during vehicle impacts. The specific minimum depends on the system, manufacturer, and state DOT policy.

Temporary concrete barrier (TCB) provides the highest level of work zone protection — it stops vehicles without deflecting into the work space. Water-filled barriers are lighter and easier to deploy but provide lower containment, suitable for low-speed work zones under 45 mph. TCB is required for high-speed highway work zones; water-filled barriers are used for urban, low-speed, and pedestrian applications.

Temporary concrete barrier rental costs $15 to $35 per linear foot per month including placement and removal. Water-filled barriers run $8 to $18 per linear foot per month. A typical 2,000-foot work zone barrier installation costs $2,500 to $5,800 per month for TCB. Pricing includes delivery, crane placement, connections, inspections, and removal at project completion.