Approved Barrier Systems in Manitoba Province

The Traffic Engineering Branch in Manitoba has established fairly specific requirements for use of road barrier systems. Whether you’re looking to install W-beam barriers, thrie beam barriers, pre-cast concrete barrier walls, cable systems, or sand-filled crash prevention barriers, Manitoba has outlined which kinds are permissible to use on roads to help keep drivers and road projects unharmed. Below are the approved types of barrier systems and their corresponding classifications:

• W-Beam: This type of barrier is composed of plastic, wood, or steel. In semi-rigid forms, the W-Beam Trailing End Terminal/Foundation Tube Option (TSEW02a)*, Strong Post W-Beam Median Barrier (TSGM04b), and Strong Post W-Beam Guardrail (TSGR04b) are permissible. W-Beam also can serve as a transition structure if nested and connected to a 2 Rail PL-2 Bridge, timber bridge, thrie beam, or guardrail.

• Thrie Beam: This type of barrier is a semi-rigid, steel post structure. Approved thrie beam types are: Thrie Beam Trailing End Terminal – Foundation Tube Option (TSET02a), Strong Post Thrie Beam Median Barrier (TSGM09c), Strong Post Thrie Beam Guardrail (TSGR09c), Nested Thrie Beam to Vertical Wall Transition (TSTB05), Nested Thrie Beam Approach Guardrail to Newel Post Transition (TSTB07), Nested Thrie Beam to 3 Rail Newel Post Transition (TSTB08), Nested Thrie Beam to 5 Rail Newel Post Transition (TSTB09), Nested W Beam to 2 Rail PL-2 Bridge (TSTB10), Nested Thrie Beam to 2 Rail PL-2 Bridge (TSTB11), and Nested Thrie Beam Approach Guardrail to 2 Rail Newel Post Transition (TSTB12).

• F-Shape Precast Concrete Barrier: F-shape is the only allowed shape for new projects. Jersey-shape barrier is not allowed on new projects. F-shape barrier wall should be rigid and move minimally upon impact. The concrete of F-shape barrier walls should have a minimum of 28 MPa compressive strength. All barrier wall top edges should be rounded with a 25 mm radius. Maximum spacing should be 1350 mm. Allowed types of F-shape barrier wall include: median barrier wall (TSGM10a), roadside barrier wall (TSGR10a), roadside barrier tall wall (TSGR10b), and transition barrier wall (TSTG10). Note: F-shape transition barrier wall must be connected to other F-shape barrier wall systems. It is not compatible with other types of precast concrete barrier wall.

• Cable Guardrail: Cable Guardrail Anchor (TSEC01), Cable Guardrail Intermediate Anchor (TSEC02), Cable Guardrail Intermediate Anchor (TSEC03) types are allowed. All cable guardrail types are classified as flexible.

• Crash Attenuators: The following crash attenuators are approved: Sand Filled Barrels – 50 km/h (TSFB50), Sand Filled Barrels – 60 km/h (TSFB60), Sand Filled Barrels – 70 km/h (TSFB70), Sand Filled Barrels – 80 km/h (TSFB80), Sand Filled Barrels – 90 km/h (TSFB90), Sand Filled Barrels – 100 km/h (TSFB100), and Sand Filled Barrels – 110 km/h (TSFB110). Sand should contain, at a minimum, 5% of rock salt by weight.

*Numbers following approved barrier system types correspond with official Manitoba numbers for drawings of systems.

Flexible, rigid, and semi-rigid classifications depend on design deflection, or how much a particular system moves once impacted by a vehicle or other object. Flexible systems move around 3.5m. Rigid systems move around 0m (basically not at all). And semi-rigid systems move 1.5m or less than 1.5m.

Manitoba uses NCHRP 350 guidelines to establish specs for its approved barrier wall systems. NCHRP 350 guidelines are based on rigid testing of strength, materials, and design deflection of the barrier wall systems. Before investing in any particular kind of barrier wall, you should refer to drawings to ensure the specifications are aligned with the province’s current standards and to ensure that the barrier wall system meets NCHRP 350 or other Manitoba-approved standards. A number of manufacturers in Manitoba make approved barrier wall systems. If in doubt, it may be a good idea to contact the manufacturer of a particular barrier to double-check that it meets the Traffic Engineering Branch’s requirements. Requirements are subject to change, and it’s always a good idea to stay in-the-know!

To learn more about barrier standards in Canada, check out our blogs about Ontario, British Columbia, and more.

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