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We recently received an inquiry regarding the chain link fence installed in the grass median. Our current standard details do not include a breakaway design (please see the attached details).

Could you let me know if a breakaway feature is a requirement for fences installed in grass medians? Additionally, are there any studies or guidelines related to this type of installation?

Any information will be greatly appreciated.

I’m open to have a virtual meeting to discuss this further if needed.

A chain link fence installed in the median within the clear zone could certainly pose a hazard. The posts of the fence could create hazards for vehicle deceleration and occupant compartment intrusion. Additionally, horizontal rail elements and other fence components could be a potential occupant intrusion hazard. Barrier mounted fences have shown some of these behaviors in previous testing.

The fence shown in your detail below looks similar to work done many years ago by Caltrans. No ground mounted fence designs have been developed to current safety standards and/or for the current vehicle fleet. Implementation of breakaway features may improve performance of these types of fences, but the actual performance of any fence design would likely require additional research and testing.

We did some work on a pedestrian fence for Wisconsin previously that may apply.

https://mwrsf.unl.edu/researchhub/files/Report314/TRP-03-321-15.pdf

Let me know if you have further questions.