Barrier transition done right – Calder Freeway, Victoria
Wire rope safety barriers (WRSB) are not designed to be connected to semi-rigid or rigid barriers or bridge ends. However, WRSB can be transitioned to more rigid systems provided that the WRSB overlaps the more rigid barrier by an adequate longitudinal distance.
The general design approach should consider a gradual stiffening of the approach to prevent vehicular pocketing, snagging, or penetration at the connection.
Congratulations to the Safer Roads team & Loddon Mallee Region at the Victorian Department of Transport on this life saving continuous WRSB installation on the Calder Freeway. The barriers were installed 2019 with the Road Safety Audit undertaken by Safe System Solutions Pty Ltd.
[The transition drawing is modified from Austroads GRD for simplicity. Practitioners should check their own jurisdictional practice for transition design]