Engineering process | Preliminary Design
Roadside Safety Design
Purpose
Roadside barriers can often reduce the severity of roadside crashes by preventing motorists from reaching hazardous roadside obstacles or terrain.
When to use this subject
Include roadside safety design on all projects. Roadside safety design is one component of the total roadway design and heavily involves elements of the roadway within the clear zone. These elements may include, but are not limited to, longitudinal barriers, end terminals, crash cushions, ponds at specific locations, mailbox supports, and fencing.
For specific process information, see the other guidance or contact the individuals on the contacts page.
How this subject fits into the overall project development process
Roadside safety design begins in the predesign phase after scoping is complete. Roadside design needs to be finished by plan turn-in so pre-letting activities can begin. An understanding of roadside safety design can benefit in the scoping process as some decisions on project elements may inadvertently require more extensive or specialized roadside design.
The design of the roadside impacts construction limits which in turn may impact right of way needs. The project manager should work closely with the designer when identifying design alternatives so that scope, schedule, and cost of roadside safety needs are also included. Should a specialized roadside design need arise, the designer and project manager should involve the Design Standards Unit to ensure propose design can meet state and federal safety standards. This process is iterative, and site and project specific. It may also involve additional crash analyses and testing with approvals, which may impact project schedule.
Organizations involved
- MnDOT:
- Design Standards Unit
- Office of Land Management
- Project Managers
- District Design
- FHWA
- Municipalities and counties