TrafFix Devices
NCHRP 350 Approved Products

Requirements for Crash Testing of
Work Zone Devices (NCHRP 350)
Last updated on May 07, 2001

On July 27, 1997, the FHWA's Office of Engineering issued a guidance memo mandating that all work zone devices, used on the National Highway System (NHS), be crash tested to NCHRP350 requirements. This memo went on to divide many of these devices into four (4) categories, with each having their own level of testing requirements and compliance dates. These categories are defined as:

• Category 1 includes those items that are small and lightweight, channelizing and delineating devices that have been in common use for many years and are known to be crashworthy by crash testing of similar devices or years of demonstrable safe performance. These include cones, tubular markers, flexible delineator posts, and plastic drums with no attachments. These devices may be allowed for use on the NHS based on the developer's self-certification.

• Category 2 includes devices that are not expected to produce significant vehicular velocity change, but may otherwise be hazardous. Examples of this class are barricades, portable sign supports, intrusion alarms, and drums, vertical panels, or cones with lights. Testing of devices in this category will be required. However, they may qualify for the reduced testing requirements. The compliance date for this category is October 1, 1998.

• Category 3 is for hardware that is expected to cause significant velocity changes or other potentially harmful reactions to impacting vehicles. Hardware in this category must be tested to the full requirement of NCHRP 350. Barriers, fixed sign supports, crash cushions, and other work zone devices not meeting the definitions of Category 1 or 2 are examples from this category

• Category 4 includes portable or trailer-mounted devices such as Arrow Displays, Temporary Traffic Signals, Area Lighting Supports, and Portable Changeable Message Signs. After compliance date of October 1, 2002, this class of devices may not be used unless they are placed behind crashworthy barriers or shielded with TMAs or crash cushions.

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