Highway Guardrails

Guardrails are a must for roadside safety because they slow down vehicles and prevent them from leaning too far to one side when veering off the road. Installing guardrails is by no means a one-size-fits-all process, and different scenarios have different advantages and disadvantages. To keep you up to date, we’ll examine different guardrail types and styles.

Highway Box BEAM guardrail

Following the same naming convention as W-beams, box beam guardrails are shaped like elongated rectangular prisms. They also don’t require much maintenance, as their steel surfaces can be galvanized and powder coated. They tend to be slightly less strong than other beam guardrails, but they do have a cleaner and smoother look.

Highway W-beam guardrail

This is one of the most common types of guardrails you will see. W-beam guardrails are made of steel and are usually galvanized for weather resistance. They are popular because they can be installed relatively easily in most environments, including bridges. The rails themselves can also be attached to strong or weak posts. The “W” in the name comes from the shape of the rail, which resembles a sideways-turned letter when viewed from both ends.

Highway Three beam guardrail

The railing on this type of guardrail has one more “V” ridge than the W-beam guardrail. Since this guardrail is significantly wider, it has higher strength. It can successfully deflect heavy vehicles with a higher center of gravity. Like other beam guardrails, triple beam guardrails are made of treated steel to withstand outdoor conditions.

Highway Cable barrier

Cable barriers have no real rails – instead, steel cables run through steel columns to form the barrier. Cable barriers cover less curb and require less material, making them easier to implement. They also leave more room for pedestrians and cyclists. Despite these advantages, they may not always be ideal because they are less strong and must be repaired while the vehicle is in contact with them.

Highway Steel back wooden guardrail

Steel-backed wood guardrails are designed to be more visually appealing than industrial beam guardrails and are made from rectangular or round wood blocks. These posts are also made of wood, giving the guardrail an organic or rustic look. Steel plates are placed behind the wooden parts of the railing to provide the extra strength needed to redirect the vehicle.

If you are searching for “Guardrail Installation Companies Near Me” in Connecticut, please contact Durham Fence & Guardrail. We have the expertise to install guardrails at the federal, state and municipal levels, and we can advise on which type is best for a project’s individual needs.