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Concrete median barrier on bridge

Question
State	MN
Description Text	We have a bridge joint repair project coming up and could use some advice on how to address our concrete median barrier situation. Hope you can help. This bridge is a 4 lane bridge (2 lanes each way) divided by an 32" F-Shaped median barrier (non-reinforced). See attached file: fig7130e.pdf. During the repair project, traffic will be diverted to one side of the bridge with 2 way traffic. We expect the posted speed will be 45 mph. Shoulder width in the median lane is 1'. Approximately 6' of concrete median barrier, 3' on either side of joint, will be temporarily removed for joint repair access. It's our intention to install a 12.5' length of standard thrie beam, plus terminal connectors in this span. The thrie beam and connectors will be located flush with the top of the barrier. The concrete median barrier will be replaced after the joint is repaired. See attached file: BarrierJointRepairDetails.pdf for details. Does this work as an acceptable solution to maintain work zone and driver safety during construction? If not, do you have (or know of) any other potential solutions to this situation? Any comments you have would be appreciated. Thanks for your help in this matter.

Question

State

Description Text

We have a bridge joint repair project coming up and could use some advice on how to address our concrete median barrier situation. Hope you can help.

This bridge is a 4 lane bridge (2 lanes each way) divided by an 32" F-Shaped median barrier (non-reinforced). See attached file: fig7130e.pdf. During the repair project, traffic will be diverted to one side of the bridge with 2 way traffic. We expect the posted speed will be 45 mph. Shoulder width in the median lane is 1'.

Approximately 6' of concrete median barrier, 3' on either side of joint, will be temporarily removed for joint repair access. It's our intention to install a 12.5' length of standard thrie beam, plus terminal connectors in this span. The thrie beam and connectors will be located flush with the top of the barrier. The concrete median barrier will be replaced after the joint is repaired. See attached file: BarrierJointRepairDetails.pdf for details.

Does this work as an acceptable solution to maintain work zone and driver safety during construction? If not, do you have (or know of) any other potential solutions to this situation? Any comments you have would be appreciated.

Thanks for your help in this matter.

System Performance Evaluation

System Types
Permanent Concrete Barriers

Applications

System Features

Date January 27, 2012
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Attachment fig7130e.pdf Attachment BarrierJointRepairDetails.pdf

Response
Response (active)	Attached is a proposed revision to your installation for spanning the gap in your median barrier. Just to recap our phone conversation today regarding the design. 1. We concur that if the traffic on the barrier is on one side only and the work crews need access to the back side, then the nested thrie beam and lower angled plate are only needed on the traffic side face of the barrier. 2. We would limit speeds in this area to 45 mph and would prefer lower speeds than that if possible. 3. We prefer the use of nested 12 gauge thrie beam over the use of a single 10 gauge section as it provides for increased bending strength and capacity. Let me know if you have any further comments or concerns. I have attached a revised detail showing the system with the hardware on only a single side. Thanks

Response

Response
(active)

Attached is a proposed revision to your installation for spanning the gap in your median barrier.

Just to recap our phone conversation today regarding the design.

1. We concur that if the traffic on the barrier is on one side only and the work crews need access to the back side, then the nested thrie beam and lower angled plate are only needed on the traffic side face of the barrier.

2. We would limit speeds in this area to 45 mph and would prefer lower speeds than that if possible.

3. We prefer the use of nested 12 gauge thrie beam over the use of a single 10 gauge section as it provides for increased bending strength and capacity.

Let me know if you have any further comments or concerns. I have attached a revised detail showing the system with the hardware on only a single side.

Thanks

Date February 13, 2012
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Attachment MNDOT_Median_Barrier_Gap.pdf