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NCHRP 350 Crash Test Program 2005. NCHRP 350 CRASH TESTING OF WORK ZONE DEVICES. 1997 FHWA started requiring work zone devices to be crashworthy. New purchases must meet NCHRP 350 Agencies can phase out existing devices until January 1, 2006. NCHRP 350 CRASH TESTING OF WORK ZONE DEVICES.
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NCHRP 350 CRASH TESTING OF WORK ZONE DEVICES • 1997 FHWA started requiring work zone devices to be crashworthy. • New purchases must meet NCHRP 350 • Agencies can phase out existing devices until January 1, 2006
NCHRP 350 CRASH TESTING OF WORK ZONE DEVICES • Category 1- Tube markers, plastic drums and cones. (Compliant Date for any new device was Oct. 1, 1998) • Category 2 Devices- portable sign supports, Type I, II and III barricades, vertical panels, drums and cones with lights. (Compliant Date Oct. 1, 2000)
NCHRP 350 CRASH TESTING OF WORK ZONE DEVICES • Category 3- Truck mounted attenuators, crash cushions and portable concrete barriers. (Compliant date of Oct. 1, 2002) • Category 4- Flashing arrow boards, portable signals and Portable Changeable Message Boards. (Compliant date will be set Oct. 2006)
Crash Testing Requirements • Crash test under worst-case scenario: • Impact at both 0 and 90 degrees • Impact at 62 mph. • Small test vehicle (Geo) vs. largest sign design • Worst-case scenario allows similar smaller designs to be grand-fathered in without testing. • Passing crash test contingent mainly on amount of windshield damage.
How does this effect our Construction Operations? • Tech. Memo No. 03-19-c-02 establishes a sun-set date for all devices, new and used, must be NCHRP 350 compliant by Jan. 1, 2006. • Starting next year will require Contractor to provide acceptance letters, possibly at pre-con.
How does this effect our Construction Operations? • Language is included in Special Provisions • States all new devices must be NCHRP 350 Approved. • All acceptable devices are listed on the FHWA web page. • Includes proprietary and generic non-proprietary devices • http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roadway/hardware
How does this effect our Maintenance Operations? • Should have little impact: • Mostly use roll-up signs • Adopted Mn/DOT’s Type III Barricade • Now have viable option for STOP and DETOUR MARKER signs.
How does this effect Local Government Agencies • Required to follow MN MUTCD. • Usually will adopt same Spec.’s and requirements as Mn/DOT. • Utilize same Traffic Control Contractors who’s inventory includes approved devices.