Quote:
Originally Posted by libtard
Why hasn't BC adopted guard rails along any of their highways? Instead of jersey barriers in some spots.
Modern guard rail design is safer and more forgiving then pre-cast barriers ever could be....
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I think BC mostly uses rigid concrete barriers due to life-cycle/repair/maintenance costs, practicality and overall effectiveness. This is why they are the most common barrier in use in North America.
Washington state did a study comparing rigid concrete barriers (no-posts/modified jersey) and w steel/post guardrails. They found that while injury rates were higher in collisions with rigid barriers, fatality rates were actually lower...
Steel W guardrail systems need more expensive and extensive repairs after an accident to restore barrier effectiveness. Rigid concrete barriers can be hit several times by light vehicles with no repairs needed at all. Rigid concrete barriers tend to be more effective with higher volume/higher speed traffic and heavy trucks. Things like soil types also come into play when installing steel w/post barriers i.e.. not easy/cheap/practical to install posts into bedrock compared to laying concrete barriers atop asphalt.
Here is more information from the FHWA regarding barriers, including the now popular and effective cable barriers that are popping up in BC and Washington state.
http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roadway_dept/policy_guide/road_hardware/ctrmeasures/median_barriers/
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