For Temporary Traffic Control applications, see Temporary Traffic Control Devices, Temporary crash cushions.
Crash cushions
Crash Cushions meeting MASH16
Product shall be accepted by the FHWA as meeting or exceeding MASH16, Test Level 3 (TL-3) requirements. Installer shall assume all responsibility for proper application and adherence to the manufacturer's installation instructions. MnDOT concurs with the FHWA Office of Safety consideration that a 62 mph crash test is representative of worst-case, run-off-road crashes. With respect to design speed, highway crash cushions tested to, and accepted as passing MASH16 TL-3, are sufficient for up to and including a 70 mph design speed.
Approval date
Provisional Approval allows for a limited number (or time-period) of installations that can be evaluated for ease of installation, ease of maintenance, and in-service performance. Once the provisional approval period has lapsed, with satisfactory performance, the product may gain full approval without limitations.
| Product | Manufacturer | Approval date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAU-M Crash Cushion | Barrier Systems by Lindsay | May 19, 2022 | Provisionally approved from Jan. 1, 2019, to May 18, 2022. Maximum backup protection width of 30”. Transition attachments available for widths up to 52”. Refer to manufacturer’s design and installation manual. |
| QuadGuard M10 or QuadGuard M Wide | Valtir, LLC | May 19, 2022 | Provisionally approved from Jan. 1, 2019, to May 18, 2022. Maximum backup protection width of 69”. Refer to manufacturer’s design and installation manual. Approved for bidirectional traffic installations as of April 5, 2023. |
| SCI-100GM (Smart Cushion) | Work Area Protection | May 19, 2022 | Provisionally approved from Jan. 1, 2019, to May 18, 2022. Maximum backup protection width of 24”. Refer to manufacturer’s design and installation manual. |
| Delta Crash Cushion | TrafFix Devices, Inc. | Provisional July 15, 2022 | Provisional approval expires on Dec. 31, 2025. Maximum backup protection width of 24”. Refer to manufacturer’s design and installation manual |
| TAU-XR Crash Cushion | Barrier Systems by Lindsay | Provisional June 3, 2024 | Provisional approval expires on Dec. 31, 2025. Maximum backup protection width of 30”. Transition attachments available for widths up to 52”. Refer to manufacturer’s design and installation manual. |
Crash Cushions meeting NCHRP 350
Product shall be accepted by the FHWA as meeting or exceeding NCHRP 350, Test Level 3 (TL-3) requirements. Installer shall assume all responsibility for proper application and adherence to the manufacturer's installation instructions. MnDOT concurs with the FHWA Office of Safety consideration that a 62 mph crash test is representative of worst-case, run-off-road crashes. With respect to design speed, highway crash cushions tested to, and accepted as passing NCHRP 350 TL-3, are sufficient for up to and including a 70 mph design speed.
| Product | Manufacturer | Approval date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal TAU-II, or Universal TAU-II-R | Barrier Systems by Lindsay | March 15, 2012 | A project-specific Public Interest Finding, or Certification for Synchronization, is needed if these designs are used on any project let after December 31, 2018. |
| QuadGuard, or QuadGuard ELITE | Valtir, LLC | January 2001 | A project-specific Public Interest Finding, or Certification for Synchronization, is needed if these designs are used on any project let after December 31, 2018. |
| SCI-100GM (Smart Cushion) | Work Area Protection | Feb. 9, 2012 | Provisional approval expires on Dec. 31, 2024. Maximum backup protection width of 24”. Refer to manufacturer’s design and installation manual. |