Review and Assessment of Past MnDOT Bridge Barrier Types

Status: Complete
Report Date: 09/01/2020

Summary:

Researchers have determined that many of MnDOT’s existing bridge barriers, despite being built decades before current safety requirements for shape, height and strength, appear to be up to the needs of today’s taller, heavier vehicles and ensure the safety of Minnesota drivers. Researchers evaluated the four main barrier types MnDOT features on its 2,000-plus bridges and found that the most common type, which is used on 55% of the agency’s bridges, meets the height, geometry and strength requirements necessary to safely redirect colliding vehicles. Researchers determined how MnDOT can retrofit existing barrier systems during rehabilitation and reconstruction projects to bring older barriers up to today’s standards. Planners and designers can look up a barrier type as they prepare repair plans and determine how best to retrofit or replace the barrier with new designs or elements to make them safer for today’s vehicles. To obtain a copy of the appendices, contact research.dot@state.mn.us, 651-366-3780.

Final Deliverables:

Related Materials:

Assessing Bridge Barriers for Today’s Vehicle Needs - (Blog Post)

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