The TL-4 High-Tension Cable Barrier (HTCB) is a flexible roadway safety system designed to prevent severe cross-median or run-off-the-road crashes by safely containing and redirecting errant vehicles, including heavier vehicles up to 18,000 lbs cargo trucks. The barrier design employs three or four high-tension, 3/4-inch diameter galvanized steel cables supported by sacrificial steel posts. Upon impact, the posts break away, and the cables flex like a net to capture the vehicle and prevent it from crossing into opposing traffic lanes or going over steep embankments.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Superior Safety Performance: The system is crash-tested and approved to meet rigorous safety standards, including the NCHRP Report 350 TL-4 (Test Level 4) or the more recent MASH16 (Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware) criteria. It is designed to absorb the kinetic energy of an impacting vehicle upon collision, slowing it down and redirecting it along the barrier while exerting less G-force on occupants compared to semi-rigid or rigid barriers, typically lessening injury potential.
- Versatile Installation: HTCBs can be installed in a variety of configurations, including wide medians, narrow medians, and roadside applications, and are approved for use on slopes as steep as 4:1 (horizontal to vertical). They don't block driver visibility, making them a more aesthetically pleasing option in some areas.
- Cost-Effective and Easy Maintenance: These systems offer significant cost savings (up to 50-75% over traditional W-beam and concrete barriers) in both installation and ongoing maintenance. After a collision, only the broken posts usually need replacement, and the cables often maintain enough tension to withstand subsequent minor impacts until fully repaired.
- Durable Materials: The components, such as galvanized steel posts and high-strength steel cables, are designed for longevity and to withstand various environmental conditions.
