View Q&A

Does Midwest see any issue with using cable barrier to close a median within a reduced conflict intersection?  We have had a new RCI in place for about a year and there appears to be significant traffic that is just cutting through the median at the crossroad rather than turning right and completing the j-turn.  Do you know if other States have had this issue and do you have any other recommendations.

We also considered:

• Placing an earth berm, however we felt if the berm was made gentle enough to not adversely effect an errant vehicle along the mainline, people will continue to traverse the median.


• Guardrail, we felt the cable barrier would be more cost effective.  In addition, cable barrier will be place along this corridor in the future.


• Raised median, we felt people would continue to go over.

We did not consider a median barrier wall because of cost.

If you need any other information, let me know. 

I think that a cable barrier is a reasonable solution in this case given the concerns of traffic disobeying the intended flow of traffic. The only downside is that the cable barrier would present a hazard for vehicles not obeying the stop condition and crossing the median. I am not sure that is much of an issue though as other vehicles in the cross traffic would post a more serious hazard.

Another option would be to use a large number of delineators like reflective plastic posts. These are less of a hazard than a barrier and may have a very similar effect on the offenders.

https://www.valtir.com/product/safe-hit-delineator-post/

thanks!