Back in 2022 CalTrans released Supplement to Traffic Safety Systems Guidance: Temporary Barrier Systems with the stated intention of implementing MASH approved Temporary Barriers and the phasing out of industry standard of Temporary Railing (Type K), also known as K-rail.
This transition will be a multi-year phase process beginning in 2025 with a percentage of all jobs requiring temporary barrier in the state to have MASH alternatives. This initiative puts safety at the forefront; K-rail is being phased out over the next several years because it does not meet MASH crash testing standards.
Understanding the potential burden placed on businesses, CalTrans has put forward a phase out period for jobs continuing to use K-rail through December 31 2026, and projects advertised starting January 1, 2027 must use a MASH approved temporary barrier system only.
A MASH Approved Alternative
TrafFix Devices has always been vocal supporters of MASH approved products, and as such have sought to partner and distribute the HV2 barrier which is one of the current CalTrans approved MASH barriers. HV2 is a freestanding temporary barrier product that offers fast installation and exceptional safety for use on bridge decks, highways, and other road maintenance projects.
The barrier’s patented hybrid technology and unique connectors offer high containment and low deflection, while remaining economical to transport and deploy with no time-consuming anchoring required.
Benefits of HV2 steel barrier vs K-rail
While the change may initially seem daunting, the benefits are plentiful, chief among them is increased safety.
Reduced worker exposure time
A free-standing barrier that does not require anchoring and provides the dual benefit of lessened worker exposure time and lower hardware & maintenance costs.
Steel barrier is easier to mobilize
Steel being lighter weight enables more to be carried per truckload when compared to concrete barrier (of any type). Fewer truckloads equals increased mobilization and more efficient deployment.
Asset longevity
The HV2 steel gives greater product lifecycle as it will not crack in the same way that concrete does. It requires less maintenance and does not need to be painted white to ensure it meets CalTrans standards. HV2 will spend more time in use thus providing higher ROI.
Current Approvals
HV2 Steel Barrier is already approved in 21 states in the USA:
Compatibility with other TrafFix Products
As with all stationary TrafFix Devices products the HV2 is Compatible with the Sentinel Impact Tracker to create an Intelligent Steel Barrier!
The HV2 is also compatible with the SLED end treatment and a variety of end treatments from different manufacturers. It is economical to transport, install, and retrieve and can be used on any flat surface. Strong “S” bi-directional connectors keep barrier sections securely linked while being extremely simple to setup without the need for pins or bolts.