Date:  Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Contact: Dave Olson, WSDOT Design Policy, Standards & Research Manager, 360-705-7952

OLYMPIA – An analysis of another year of traffic-collision data confirms that cable median barrier is an effective strategy for reducing cross-median collisions and saving lives. The Washington State Department of Transportation announces its 2009 Cable Median Barrier Reassessment and Recommendations Update is now available online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/CableBarrier/Report2009.

The 2009 update includes:

• A performance analysis of cable median barrier systems on Washington highways, including fatal and serious injury collisions with cable barrier for vehicles and motorcycles. WSDOT analyzed more than 3,100 collisions along 181 miles of cable barrier that had been installed through the end of 2008.
• Key findings: our analysis shows a 59 percent reduction in fatal and serious injury collisions in and across the median, and a 61 percent reduction in cross-median collisions for all injury severities. No cross-median collisions have occurred in the Marysville area since February 2007.
• An update of WSDOT’s cable barrier usage policy and activities. WSDOT reports on implementation of Dr. Malcolm Ray’s recommendations following an independent evaluation in 2007.
• A brief report on modifications to the median barrier system in Marysville.
• A description of the next steps for cable barrier, including new installations planned for US 195, US 395 and State Route 8; ongoing developments and research in cable barrier systems; use of cable barrier in narrow medians; and growth in the use of cable barrier across the nation.
• Data sheets for each location where cable median barrier was installed or under construction along Washington highways at the end of 2008.

Safety is a priority for WSDOT. Enforcement, education and engineering solutions, such as cable median barrier, all play a role in reaching Washington’s goal of zero traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries by 2030.

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