NCHRP 350 NCHRP 350

Crash TestCrash Test

Program Program

20052005

NCHRP 350 CRASH TESTING OF WORK ZONE DEVICES

1997 FHWA started requiring work zone devices to be crashworthy.

New purchases must meet NCHRP 350

Agencies can phase out existing devices until January 1, 2006

NCHRP 350 CRASH TESTING OF WORK ZONE DEVICES

Category 1- Tube markers, plastic drums and cones. (Compliant Date for any new device was Oct. 1, 1998)

Category 2 Devices- portable sign supports, Type I, II and III barricades, vertical panels, drums and cones with lights. (Compliant Date Oct. 1, 2000)

NCHRP 350 CRASH TESTING OF WORK ZONE DEVICES

Category 3- Truck mounted attenuators, crash cushions and portable concrete barriers. (Compliant date of Oct. 1, 2002)

Category 4- Flashing arrow boards, portable signals and Portable Changeable Message Boards. (Compliant date will be set Oct. 2006)

Crash Testing Requirements

Crash test under worst-case scenario:• Impact at both 0 and 90 degrees• Impact at 62 mph. • Small test vehicle (Geo) vs. largest sign

design

Worst-case scenario allows similar smaller designs to be grand-fathered in without testing.

Passing crash test contingent mainly on amount of windshield damage.

Latest Sign Configurations

Latest Sign Configurations

How does this effect our Construction Operations?

Tech. Memo No. 03-19-c-02 establishes a sun-set date for all devices, new and used, must be NCHRP 350 compliant by Jan. 1, 2006.

Starting next year will require Contractor to provide acceptance letters, possibly at pre-con.

How does this effect our Construction Operations? Language is included in Special

Provisions–States all new devices must be

NCHRP 350 Approved. All acceptable devices are listed on

the FHWA web page. –Includes proprietary and generic

non-proprietary devices– http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roadway/hardware

How does this effect our Maintenance Operations?

Should have little impact:

• Mostly use roll-up signs

• Adopted Mn/DOT’s Type III Barricade

• Now have viable option for STOP and DETOUR MARKER signs.

How does this effect Local Government Agencies

Required to follow MN MUTCD.

Usually will adopt same Spec.’s and requirements as Mn/DOT.

Utilize same Traffic Control Contractors who’s inventory includes approved devices.