Median Crash Barriers

Through an analysis of the state’s crash data, MoDoT recognized an emerging problem of severe cross-median crashes on its most heavily traveled roadways. To address this safety concern, Missouri began an effort to install median cable barriers system-wide on its major interstates. Simple cable barriers lining all highway medians offered a low cost solution to this problem. The cable barriers have performed successfully in Missouri, catching over 95% of vehicles entering the median. Most importantly, it is saving lives. As an example, Interstate 70 suffered 24 cross-median fatalities in 2002. The installation of system-wide cable barrier since then has virtually eliminated this crash type, as only two cross-median fatalities occurred in 2006, a decrease directly attributable to the state’s system-wide approach to this safety problem.

Photo courtesy of the Roadway Safety Foundation.