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One of our districts is updating guardrails due to resurfacing project, and there is one location that has possible conflicts with an entrance and ROW, to install either an end terminal or short radius rail, respectively (See image below).

The plans propose a tangent end terminal to replace the current radius rail. The property owner has expressed the following concerns:

• Negatively affects sight distance.


• Won’t be able to “merge” with traffic.


• Large trucks having difficulty navigating the entrance.


• RR access.


• Entrance slope.


• The current installation has not been hit, why change it.

A flared end terminal has been discussed instead of the tangent terminal, to provide a better sight distance. Any recommendation you could provide is greatly appreciated.

Estimated placement for 50’ end terminal (see the yellow line)

ROW is 30’ from centerline

Existing radius rail and box culvert

Thanks,

The installation you have shown limits your options due to the space available.

One could install a flared or tangent end terminal. However, as you noted , those options are potentially 50’ long or more. A flared option may cut down the length but may cut off the angle/access to the secondary road on the left of your images.

It may be worthwhile to consider a crash cushion in this application. A pad could be poured just off the bridge for installation. A crash cushion would potentially be less than ½ the length of an end terminal. Depending on the ADT and speed in the area, one could consider a TL-2 crash cushion to further reduce the overall length. The crash cushion would need to transition to the W-beam bridge rail, but many manufacturers have options for this. I don’t know the details of the bridge rail in the photos. The transition may need to consider some for of stiffness transition depending on the bridge rail stiffness.

That would likely be the least intrusive option we have off hand.

Let me know if you need anything else.