Highway dividers

• Concrete highway dividers

  Concrete highway dividers are some of the most popular types of dividers used.. They are made in different forms, including precast concrete barriers, poured-in-place barriers, and concrete wall barriers. Concrete highway dividers are durable, strong, and cost-effective. They require little maintenance and can withstand the harshest weather conditions. These dividers possess excellent impact resistance, which minimizes the risk of vehicles crossing the median. They also reduce noise and provide a level of privacy to the adjoining properties.

• Steel highway dividers

  Steel highway dividers are known for their strength and flexibility. Some common types of steel dividers include guardrails, w-beam barriers, and cable median barriers. Steel dividers are lightweight, which makes them easy to install and maintain. They have a high resistance to corrosion and can withstand extreme temperatures. Steel dividers also have a high level of impact resistance, which makes them ideal for high-speed roads and highways.

• Plastic highway dividers

  Plastic highway dividers are usually made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). These highway dividers are lightweight, flexible, and easy to install. Plastic dividers are corrosion-resistant and can withstand UV radiation. They also have excellent impact resistance and can absorb collisions effectively. Plastic dividers are also available in various colors, increasing their visibility on the road. Some common types of plastic highway dividers include water-filled barriers and barrier end sections.

• Stone and masonry highway dividers

  Stone and masonry dividers are usually designed to blend in with the natural environment. They are strong and durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. These dividers require a lot of maintenance and are expensive to install. They provide excellent noise reduction and can also be used for landscaping purposes.

• Wooden highway dividers

  Wooden dividers are usually used in areas with a lot of wildlife. They are designed to ensure the safety of animals and reduce the risk of accidents. These types of highway dividers are usually made from treated timber and can withstand harsh weather conditions. They provide excellent impact resistance and are easy to install. However, they require a lot of maintenance and are not so durable.

Design of highway dividers

• Appearance:

  Highway dividers have a functional look. They are often painted in bright colors like yellow or white to ensure they are noticeable. Some can have special features like decorative barriers or landscaped concrete barriers.

• Materials Used:

  Highway dividers are made from strong materials such as concrete, steel, or plastic. Concrete and steel dividers are very strong and long-lasting. Plastic dividers are light and easy to move. When choosing materials, factors like how long it will last, how much it costs, how visible it is, and how easy it is to maintain are considered.

• Color Options:

  The colors of highway dividers are chosen based on safety and visibility. Bright colors or reflective coatings are used to make them easily seen, especially at night or in bad weather. The color choices depend on the type of divider and where it is placed.

• Shape and Size:

  Highway dividers come in many shapes and sizes to fit different roads and traffic needs. Some common shapes include:

  • Straight Sections: These are used for long stretches of highways to keep the divider steady and uniform.
  • Curved Sections: Curved dividers are used on winding roads where the alignment of the divider needs to follow the curve of the road.
  • End Treatments: The ends of the dividers have special treatments to ensure a smooth transition for vehicles. They reduce the risk of accidents and make it safer for cars to merge or separate.

• Special Features:

  Highway dividers may have additional elements to improve safety and performance:

  Some highway dividers can absorb the energy of a crashing vehicle, reducing the force experienced by passengers. This is achieved through design features like crushable materials or special shapes.

  Many highway dividers have barriers or fences attached to prevent vehicles from crossing over or falling off the road.

  Some highway dividers can redirect vehicles back into their lanes instead of allowing them to cross over into opposing traffic.

  Highway dividers are designed for easy installation and maintenance. This ensures they can be put in place quickly and require minimal upkeep over their lifespan.

Usage scenarios of highway dividers

• Urban areas:

  Highway dividers are commonly used in urban areas where roads are constructed with multiple lanes, and high-speed traffic is present. Urban highways typically experience a large volume of traffic, and the need for an effective traffic management system is critical. In such situations, highway dividers help in separating lanes of traffic going in opposite directions. This ensures that vehicles do not collide head-on, which can cause severe accidents resulting in injuries or fatalities. The use of concrete barriers, metal railings, or other types of divider systems reduces the likelihood of crashes between cars within their respective lanes.

• Rural areas:

  Highway dividers play an important role in enhancing road safety on rural highways as well. These roads may have fewer vehicles compared to urban roads; however, they often allow for higher speeds due to less traffic congestion. The risk associated with traveling at high speeds is also mitigated by using dividers on these types of highways. Divider systems, such as cable barriers or landscaped medians, not only prevent head-on collisions but also reduce the chances of vehicles losing control and crossing into the opposite lane.

• Highway construction projects:

  During highway construction projects, divider systems are installed to protect workers and equipment from vehicle collisions. Temporary barriers are set up to shield construction zones from live traffic lanes. These temporary dividers help prevent accidents that could harm workers who are building or repairing the roadways.

• Highway safety improvement projects:

  When upgrading existing highways for better safety standards, installing more efficient divider systems may be necessary. Projects aimed at improving the safety of highways could involve replacing old dividers with new ones that have better impact resistance. It could also involve adding features like guardrails or concrete medians where needed based on traffic studies conducted along specific stretches of road.

• Special purpose roads:

  Divider systems may also be installed on special-purpose roads such as those leading to airports, industrial areas, or commercial zones. These highways often experience a different pattern of traffic flow and may require specific types of dividers designed to accommodate for the same. For instance, airport access roads could have landscaped medians with lighting fixtures that guide travelers towards terminals while separating vehicles moving in opposite directions.

How to choose highway dividers

Selecting the appropriate highway divider for roads requires a thorough assessment of various factors. These factors ensure that the divider will effectively improve road safety, traffic management, and overall performance. Here are some key points to consider when choosing a highway divider:

• Purpose and application:

  Identify the primary purpose of the highway divider. Is it for temporary use in construction zones, to manage traffic during events, or to provide permanent segregation on highways? Understanding the purpose will help narrow down the options.

• Materials:

  Highway dividers are made from various materials, such as concrete, steel, plastic, or a combination of them. Concrete and steel dividers offer durability and permanence, while plastic and temporary road dividers are lightweight and easy to install and remove.

• Safety features:

  Look for dividers with safety features, such as energy absorption, impact resistance, and visibility. Some dividers are designed to minimize the effects of vehicle collisions and reduce the risk of accidents.

• Modularity:

  Many modern highway dividers are modular, allowing for easy installation, removal, and reconfiguration. This is particularly important for temporary dividers used in construction zones or during events.

• Cost:

  Consider the initial cost of purchasing the divider and the long-term costs associated with maintenance and replacement. Make sure the divider fits the budget without compromising safety and effectiveness.

• Visibility:

  Choose highway dividers that are highly visible, both during the day and at night. This can be achieved through the use of bright colors, reflective materials, and proper lighting. Visibility is crucial for drivers to see the divider and avoid accidents.

• Environmental considerations:

  Consider the environmental impact of the highway divider. Some dividers are designed to be environmentally friendly, such as using recycled materials or minimizing disruption to natural habitats. Additionally, consider the divider's ability to manage stormwater runoff and its impact on drainage systems.

Q&A

Q1. What are the benefits of using highway dividers?

A1. Highway dividers can reduce the risk of vehicle collisions, control traffic flow, minimize noise pollution, and improve the overall aesthetics of roads.

Q2. How do highway dividers enhance road safety?

A2. Highway dividers create a physical barrier between opposing lanes of traffic, which helps prevent head-on collisions and reduces the likelihood of cross-median accidents.

Q3. What role do highway dividers play in traffic management?

A3. Highway dividers help organize and direct vehicular movement, thereby minimizing congestion and promoting a smooth and efficient flow of traffic.

Q4. Can highway dividers reduce noise pollution?

A4. Yes, highway dividers can attenuate traffic noise, providing a quieter environment for residents living near roadways.

Q5. Do highway dividers contribute to the aesthetics of roads?

A5. Highway dividers can enhance the visual appeal of roadways by incorporating landscape elements and decorative designs.