Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

G4−2: Quick Change Moveable Barrier™

DESCRIPTION:

A concrete barrier wall used to separate opposing traffic is shifted laterally 12 ft, twice daily, to reverse the direction of travel on that 12 ft lane. A transport vehicle moves 6,000 ft of barrier in 25 minutes. The barrier system enables the agency to open and close lanes or reverse the direction of travel in a lane to accommodate peak traffic volumes and protect workers.

Successful completion of an aggressive project, the Super70 project, to completely rebuild Interstate 70 near Indianapolis in one construction season required directional closure of the roadway. Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) opened three inbound lanes during the morning rush hour and two outbound lanes. In the evening rush, the flow was reversed, with three outbound lanes and two inbound. INDOT used movable barrier wall to accomplish the daily lane shifts.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

Bridge rehabilitation closed a 2−lane bridge. The adjacent bridge was reconfigured to 3 lanes, carrying 2−way traffic. The movable barrier allows reversing the center lane so that 2 lanes are provided for peak rush hour traffic.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

Reduced traffic delay, improved traffic flow.

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

Areas where the peak traffic tends to be high in one direction in the morning and another later in the day.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

Indiana

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

John Wright, Director of Highway Design & Tech Support, Indiana DOT
Phone: (317) 232−5147
E−mail: jwright@indot.in.gov