Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

G4−13: Water Filled Barrier in Work Zones

DESCRIPTION:

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has used water filled barrier as a substiture for temporary precast concrete barrier on projects to protect travelers from construction areas as well as drop−off conditions and additional protection for the construction workers. NCDOT typically uses water filled barriers on projects with traffic speeds less than 45 mph; however occasionally water filled barriers are used in work zones with traffic speeds up to 60 mph.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

To protect travelers and workers while more easily enabling access to homes and businesses.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

Increased safety for travelers and construction workers.

MOST APPLICABLE LOCATION(S)/PROJECT(S):

Urban and suburban work zones. These are effective in areas where the barrier has to be opened to allow access to homes and businesses.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

North Carolina

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Steve Kite, North Carolina DOT
Phone: (919) 662−4339
E−mail: skite@ncdot.gov