Crash Cushion and End Treatment Selection Guide Device Summaries

For more detail on individual devices, please refer to the attached information sheets or the device manufacturers.

For exact English dimensions on the Metric-only information sheets, contact the manufacturer or supplier.

CrashGard Sand Barrels: A non-redirective, gating sand barrel or crash cushion system designed to protect fixed objects whether permanent or temporary.

Sand-Filled Plastic Barrels: A non-redirective crash cushion which can be used in gore, roadside, or median applications. The barrels are currently available under the trade names of Energite III and Fitch Barrel. This system is recommended for low frequency impact areas due to damage to the system when impacted. Sand barrels are commonly used for construction zone applications but occupy a significant amount of space (see chart). Because of the non-redirective quality of this system, care must be taken to minimize the likelihood of a vehicle striking the corner of the hazard. This system is easily damaged by maintenance activities. Staff Design has typical barrel details. Barrels may be set on a skid (4 in. high or less) to facilitate construction relocation.

Big Sandy Sand-Filled Plastic Barrels: A non-redirecting crash cushion device at test level 3 (TL-3).

CAT: The Crash Cushion/Attenuating Terminal is bi-directional end treatment for Type 3 Guardrail in median or roadside locations. Several types of transition sections are available.

BRAKEMASTER 350: A bi-directional end treatment for Type 3 Guardrail in median or roadside locations. Several types of transition sections are available.

Slotted Rail terminal (SRT-350): The SRT is a parabolic flared w-beam end treatment. The SRT has a series of slots that weaken the W beam guardrail. The parabolic 4’ offset is identical to the 3E’s in the superseded 1992 version of M-606-1. The SRT can be used as a retrofit to the BCT or older versions of the SRT. This is CDOT’s current standard for flared end treatments. CDOT requires SRT’s to be supplied with three rails, each 12 ft. – 6 in. in length.

FLEAT–350 (Flared Energy Absorbing Terminal): The FLEAT–350 is a linearly flared W-beam terminal installed with offset between 2.5 and 4 feet. The FLEAT–350 has 8 posts and is currently one of CDOT’s standards for flared terminals.

ET2000–LET: The ET2000-LET (Lesser ET) is the latest version of the ET from Syro. Currently called for in M-606-1 as an acceptable nonflared terminal. The ET2000 - LET is a 37.5 foot. long device. The 50 foot. long ET2000 will still be available. It is an energy absorbing roadside barrier end treatment that dissipates vehicle energy by flattening W-beam guardrail through the extruder terminal upon an end-on impact. The ET2000-LET uses a standard 25 foot length of 12 gage rail. It is designed to attach to W-beam, but can be used on rigid barrier with the proper transition section. It is particularly useful in limited embankment width locations.

SKT 350: The Sequential Kinking Terminal is an energy absorbing roadside barrier end treatment that dissipates vehicle energy by kinking and extruding guardrail as it is forced through the extruder terminal upon an end-on impact. Currently called for in M-606-1 as an acceptable nonflared terminal. This system allows for breakaway posts installed as CRT posts or foundation tubes with soil plates. It is designed to attach to W-beam, but can be used on rigid barrier with the proper transition section. It is particularly useful in limited embankment width locations.

QUADTREND 350: Part impact attenuator and part terminal. This device was designed to function both as an end terminal and a transition element to a rigid barrier. The Quadtrend may offer a cost effective solution where a short crashworthy end is needed on a rigid rail (e.g. bridge rail termination where approach road limits transition and terminal use). QuadGuard Product Design Manual

DRAGNET: The DRAGNET is crash cushion that uses wire mesh and supports to trap and special arrestor assemblies to gradually stop impacting vehicles. The DRAGNET may be useful during construction to close roadways and protect work zones. It may also offer a means to shield median traps created at grade separations. The anchor assemblies for the device must be treated as a vehicle obstacle and be shielded. Future use may include run away truck containment.

TRITON: The Triton is a portable, temporary water-filled 32 inch (813 mm) high plastic barrier. An acceptable end treatment for the Triton is the barrier itself. It is mentioned here to clarify its use during construction. The Triton end treatment can be used only with Triton barrier and is rated for a maximum end impact design speed of 45 mph of 62 mph. The first section of the barrier is not filled with water when used as an end treatment. Special treatment is required when using in 62 mph condition. Refer to manufacturer’s recommendations on length, flare, offset and anticipated deflection. During crash testing at 62 mph, Triton Barriers deflected between 5 ft. and 20 ft. at impact angles of 7° and 20° .

REACT 350: The React 350 is a bi-directional redirective crash cushion/end treatment for hazards likely to be struck head-on. Its narrow width allows it to be utilized for narrow site hazards or a concrete barrier end treatment. The resilient polyethylene cylinders used in the React minimize repair after impacts. The complete item should include an anchoring pad and transition. The supplier should provide the transition hardware and proper backup device for attachment to obstacle. Currently allowed for permanent use by CDOT.

NEAT System: A portable crash cushion for unidirectional shielding in temporary work zones.

QUADGUARD: The QUADGUARD is a bi-directional redirective crash cushion/end treatment for hazards likely to be struck head-on. Its narrow width allows it to be utilized for narrow site hazards or a concrete barrier end treatment. The replaceable cartridges allow the unit to be operational quickly after impact. The complete item should include an anchoring pad. The supplier should provide the transition hardware and proper backup device for attachment to obstacle. QuadGuard Product Design Manual

QUADGUARD–WIDE: Bi-directional Quadguard that tapers from 2 feet to 60 inches or 90 inches for shielding wide hazards. QuadGuard Product Design Manual

The QUADGUARD devices are available in Low Maintenance Cartridge (LMC) Systems for the 3’-wide and the 60" and 90" tapered sizes. The LMC replaces the crushable cartridge with a resilient elastometric cartridge. The Quadguard Elite is a low maintenance system that uses more economical HDPE cartridges. All Quadguard types are acceptable for permanent installation on CDOT highways. QuadGuard Product Design Manual

QUADGUARD (CZ) (Construction Zone): Is available for temporary construction uses and can be re-used in a permanent installation or may be rented during construction. Anchoring pad should be constructed and supplier should include proper transition and backup device for attachment to obstacle.QuadGuard Product Design Manual

ADIEM: The Advanced Dynamic Impact Extension Module is a bi-directional, gating end treatment/crash cushion for concrete barrier. The unit is installed on top of paved surfaces. The replaceable cartridges allow the unit to be operational quickly after impact. Designer should ensure that the manufacturer can provide proper transition/connection to the barrier type being shielded. The Adiem is currently allowed by CDOT only in temporary construction zone areas.

TRACC: The Trinity Attenuating Crash Cushion is a bi-directional redirective crash cushion/end treatment for hazards likely to be struck head-on. Its narrow width allows it to be utilized for narrow site hazards or a concrete barrier end treatment. The complete item should include an anchoring pad. The supplier should provide the transition hardware and proper backup device for attachment to obstacle. The TRACC is currently allowed by CDOT only in construction zone areas.  

FASTRACC:  Another Tracc device that is a narrow Test Level 3 crash cushion with additional capacity for head-on impacts up to 70 mph.

SHORTRACC: Same as the TRACC but 8 feet shorter.

TAU-II: This is a fully redirective and non-gating Crash Cushion System for hazard widths up 8.5 feet wide, and for speeds from 30 mph to 62 mph.

SCI 70 GM: A speed dependent Crash Cushion System that can vary stopping force according to speed and weight of the impact.

SCI 100 GM: A speed dependent Crash Cushion System that can vary stopping force according to speed and weight of the impact.

ABSORB 350:  This is a non-redirective gating, water-filled Crash Cushion System. It is available for design speeds ranging from 31 mph to 75 mph.  It can be attached to the exposed ends of a portable or permanent concrete barrier without being anchored to the roadway surface.  For temporary use only.  

ArmorGuard Barrier: Designed for short term, short duration work zones where access points for vehicles and equipment are needed.  Links (28 FT. long) are raised and lowered by using a hand crank or optional compressed air. The system has been fully tested in accordance with the evaluation parameters in NCHRP Report 350, Test Level 2 and 3.

J-J Hooks Concrete Barrier

Triton Water-Filled Barrier: The Triton Barrier is a portable, water-filled barrier.  It consists of a number of interlocking, 6.5 ft. barrier sections made of polyethylene plastic and an internal steel framework. It exceeds NCHRP TL-2, 45 m.p.h., and can be considered for 62 m.p.h. applications at angles up to 15 degrees for passenger vehicles and lightweight pickup trucks.

YODOCK Barrier 2001:  A recyclable, portable energy disbursement cell intended to assist in the prevention of vehicular penetration of a work zone or gore area, street and road closures, as well as providing clear delineation for traffic channelization and pedestrian safety.

YODOCK Barrier 2001M: A recyclable, portable energy disbursement cell intended to assist in the prevention of vehicular penetration of a work zone or gore area, street and road closures, as well as providing clear delineation for traffic channelization and pedestrian safety.  Smaller then the YODOCK Barrier 2001.

SB-1-TL:  For use in work zones and approved the FHWA.

ArmorGuard Gate:  ArmorGuard Gate is a heavily reinforced steel barrier that is designed for emergency openings. It is ideally suited for permanent and stationary work zone barriers where emergency vehicles, maintenance crews and emergency evacuation access may be needed and positive barrier protection is required. The system can be quickly and easily opened or closed without expensive electrical power, supplies, or sophisticated control systems. Links are raised and lowered by using either compressed air or a manual jacking system. Positive security can also be provided. The system has been fully tested and approved in accordance with the evaluation parameters in NCHRP Report 350, Test Level 3 (100km/h).

ALPHA 70K TMA: This is a truck-mounted attenuator for use during construction or maintenance to 45 mph.

SCORPION 70K TMA: This is a redirective, truck-mounted attenuator for use during construction or maintenance to 45 m

ALPHA 100K TMA: This is a truck-mounted attenuator for use during construction or maintenance to 62 mph.

SAFE - STOP  TMA: This is a redirective, truck-mounted attenuator for use during construction or maintenance to 62 mph.

SAFE - STOP 180 TMA: This is a redirective, bi-folding truck-mounted attenuator for use during construction or maintenance to 62 mph.

CONNECTICUT TMA: This is a truck-mounted attenuator for use during construction or maintenance.

VANDERBILT TMA: This is a truck-mounted attenuator for use during construction or maintenance to 62 mph.

MPS-350 III: This is a truck-mounted attenuator for use during construction or maintenance to 62 mph.

REN-GUARD 815 TMA: This a truck-mounted attenuator for use during construction or maintenance to 62 mph.

U - MAD 110K TMA: This is a redirective, bi-folding truck-mounted attenuator for use during construction or maintenance to 62 mph.

If you have any comments or questions, please contact the Standards & Specifications Unit, at (303)-757-9083.