Barrier Wall Variations and Key Regulations in Florida

Each state has different regulations regarding the types of barrier walls that may be used and regarding proper installation of those barrier walls. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has specific regulations that allow for a select few different types of precast concrete traffic barrier wall. This is to ensure the safety of drivers and road crews and help prevent damage to vehicles and road infrastructure. According to FDOT regulations, barrier walls in Florida may be F-shape or Jersey shape, depending on their condition, the year they were produced, and other factors. Here are the three types of barrier wall currently approved in Florida:

1. FDOT Type K (415) Temporary Concrete Barrier – This is an F-Shape barrier. It must be manufactured in a prestressed concrete plant that adheres to specific state regulations. The strength of its concrete per barrier unit must exceed 5,000 psi. Generally, the reinforcing steel of this type of barrier wall should be ASTM A 615, Grade 60.

2. FDOT 415 Temporary Concrete Barrier – This type of barrier wall is only permissible if it was manufactured before October 1, 2002 and is still in good condition. Its condition must be tested before use to verify that it meets required standards. It also must have met FDOT standards at the time it was manufactured as well as current FDOT standards for installation. It can either be Jersey barrier or F-shape.

3. NCHRP 350 Test Level 3 Approved Concrete Barrier – These can be F-shape or Jersey shaped barrier walls that pass the stringent Level 3 tests created by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP). The NCHRP tests barrier wall systems, end treatments, breakaway devices, and crash cushions that are used on roads nationwide.

And here are some important regulations regarding installation to keep in mind:

• It violates regulations to mix/attach different types of barrier wall together. F-shape and Jersey shape barrier should never be attached in a continuous run together, even if they are both independently approved for use. Only barrier wall of the same type should be intermixed.

• Individual units must have similar end connections. When installing a run of barrier wall, all individual units in the run must come with the same connections appropriate to their type: 414, 415, or NCHRP-approved. They also must be securely connected for installation to be complete.

• Wall units are not permissible. They are not approved for use with permanent barrier system construction, regardless of their size. There are some exceptions to this, with special approval from FDOT.

• It’s essential to follow plan specifications. If FDOT-approved plan specifications for a road project dictate that a certain type of barrier wall should be used, it should not be substituted with another type of barrier wall. If plans dictate that concrete walls must be used, plastic, water-filled walls are not permissible. In general, plastic, water-filled walls should never be substituted on major roads without prior approval from FDOT, which depends on road-specific conditions and the scope of a road project that may require them.

• Barriers in work zones must have approved lights mounted to them. Approved lights are Type C Steady-Burn. In transitions, they should be spaced at 50’ centers, on curves at 100’ centers, and 200’ centers on tangent roadways. Lights must be replaced promptly if they burn out or begin to have electrical issues.

Using the right type of barrier wall and following rules when it comes to installation will help you avoid trouble with FDOT and help ensure safety on the roads. Always make sure to thoroughly check the condition of any barrier wall before you install it and after it’s in place.

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