The Jersey Barrier (Jersey Curb, K-rail, Jersey Wall, or whatever you want to call them) refers to the barricades you see along the center and sides of highways, at construction sites, in parking lots, and pretty much anywhere traffic is being directed. These barriers are made of either concrete or heavy-duty plastic. Concrete is used primarily for permanent installations. However, the plastic water or sand-filled barrier is more portable and versatile, and the white and orange coloring is more visible than the concrete barrier. Jersey barriers, named after the state of New Jersey, were first used in the 1950s.
The Jersey barrier was invented in the early 1940s when the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) sought to reduce head-on collisions on its highways. Caltrans engineers developed a prototype barrier made of concrete with a sloped face on one side to deflect vehicles away from oncoming traffic in the event of a collision.
Caltrans installed the prototype barrier on a dangerous stretch of highway in California in 1946. The barrier effectively reduced the number of head-on collisions, and other states soon adopted it. In 1959, the New Jersey State Highway Department developed a similar barrier that was slightly taller and had a more rounded face. This barrier became known as the "Jersey barrier," quickly becoming the standard type used on highways in the United States.
The water-filled Jersey barrier was developed in the 1950s by the New Jersey State Highway Department, designed to replace the concrete barriers that were then in use, which were often too rigid and could cause severe injuries in the event of a collision. The DOT found the water-filled Jersey barrier much more effective in absorbing impact and preventing injuries, and it quickly became the standard.
Water-filled Jersey barriers are a great option if you are looking for a safe and effective way to protect motorists and pedestrians from oncoming traffic. Installed in various settings, they are also easy to use. Plus, they are very effective in preventing injuries.
Jersey barriers are typically about 3 feet high and 6 feet wide. They have a sloped face on one side and a vertical face on the other. The sloped face helps cars ride up and over the barrier, while the vertical face prevents vehicles from going under the barrier.
Jersey barriers are typically installed along the centerline of a highway to separate opposing lanes of traffic. They are also used to separate lanes of traffic at interchanges and other areas with a high risk of head-on collisions. These barriers also protect pedestrians and workers during highway construction. They are typically installed along the road's edge to prevent cars from driving off and hitting workers or pedestrians.
Jersey barriers have a variety of applications, including:
Separating lanes of traffic on highways
Protecting pedestrians and workers during highway construction
Rerouting traffic around accidents or construction zones
Preventing vehicles from entering or exiting highways
Jersey barriers offer several benefits, including:
They help to reduce the number of accidents and injuries.
They protect pedestrians and workers from harm.
Construction companies and DOT's use them to reroute traffic around accidents or construction zones.
Preventing vehicles from entering or exiting highways is another use for these barriers.
Concrete Jersey barriers have some drawbacks, including:
It can be expensive to install.
It can be challenging to maneuver around.
It can be unsightly.
It can be a hazard to pedestrians and cyclists.
Plastic Jersey Barriers offer the following benefits over concrete:
They are effective in absorbing impact and preventing injuries.
They are relatively inexpensive to purchase and install.
Easy to set up and move around. These barriers are also easy to stack and palletize, making storing and transporting them more cost-effective.
Their bright orange and white plastic make them highly visible in construction zones.
They interlock to form a continuous line, fit different spaces, or accommodate curves.
Fence panels can be added to the top of plastic barriers, contributing to site protection in construction areas. Added screens on these panels add privacy, site beautification, and marketing opportunities with branded signage.
They are more flexible than concrete barriers, making them less likely to cause severe injuries in a collision.
- Water-filled barriers can serve as temporary flood control measures, effectively redirecting or containing water flow during flood events.
Here are some of the things to consider when using water-filled Jersey barriers:
The barrier size should be appropriate for the area.
Installed in a level and stable location.
If necessary, anchor the barrier to prevent vehicles or other objects from moving it.
Inspect the barriers regularly to ensure they are in good condition.
Other barrier designs have come and gone, but they have yet to be able to unseat the Jersey Barrier. With its ever-increasing safety and versatility, it's likely to be around for a long time.
