One of Victoria’s longest standing barrier design debates involves the wire rope safety barriers in the central median of the Eastern Freeway.
These barriers protect road users from impacts with the concrete footings of the lighting columns and with travelling to the opposing carriageway. They have a unique design where a single run of barrier is curved into an S shape to protect road users from both directions.
Why some people like this designs:
- Less barrier required than two runs of continuous barrier down both sides of the lighting columns, which could reduce cost
- Easy access for grass mowing and maintenance
- End terminals are never exposed to direct impacts from errant vehicles.
Why some people don’t like this design:
- Increases the impact angle with the barrier system
- Requires many end terminals which could increases the overall cost
Which side of the debate are you on?