DEVELOPMENT OF PROPOSED HEIGHT STANDARDS AND TOLERANCES FOR LIGHT-POST TRAFFIC BARRIERS

Current New York State height standards for light-post traffic barriers are based on crash tests, in-service accident experience, and analysis of vehicle geometric characteristics. However, those standards were set in 1969. Analysis of the geometric characteristics of current vehicles reveals that if mounting heights were lowered by 3 in., the railings would provide improved protection against vehicle underride and still provide satisfactory protection against vaulting. Crash-test data and extensive accident experience indicate that barriers mounted at this lower height will continue to perform well, even when a %3-in. tolerance is permitted. Current New York State and AASHTO standards and the proposed new standards are presented, and it may be possible to increase the range of allowable heights after completion of research now planned or under way.