A Guide to Highway Barriers

Key Factors & Types to Consider

Choosing the Best Concrete Highway Barrier for Your Project

When it comes to roadway construction and traffic safety, selecting the right concrete highway barrier is essential. Barriers play a vital role in protecting drivers, work crews, and pedestrians by separating lanes, controlling traffic flow, and preventing collisions. At Jensen Infrastructure, we specialize in precast concrete highway barriers designed for strength, safety, and long-term performance.

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Types of Concrete Highway Barriers

Temporary vs. Permanent Concrete Barriers

Choosing between a temporary or permanent concrete barrier depends on your project’s scope, duration, and safety goals.

Temporary Concrete Barriers

Temporary barriers are ideal for short-term projects like construction zones, special events, or detours. They’re designed for quick installation, easy transport, and flexible deployment.

K-Rail / Jersey Barriers

Commonly known as Jersey barriers, K-Rail barriers are widely used for traffic redirection and lane separation. Their modular, stackable design and proven durability make them a go-to choice for temporary traffic control.

Caltrans J-Hook Barriers (MASH Approved)

An upgrade to traditional K-Rail, the Caltrans J-Hook barrier features an interlocking design for enhanced stability and alignment. These barriers meet MASH crash-testing standards, making them ideal for high-speed traffic zones and Caltrans-approved projects.

Permanent Concrete Barriers

Permanent barriers are used in areas where long-term or continuous traffic separation is required. They’re engineered for long-term performance, providing low-maintenance protection for highways, bridges, and other critical infrastructure.

F-Shape Barriers

F-shaped barriers are engineered to reduce vehicle lift and rollover risk. Their lower slope design improves vehicle redirection after impact, making them a preferred option for modern freeway systems.

Median Barriers

Designed to divide opposing traffic lanes, concrete median barriers reduce head-on collisions and are commonly used on multi-lane highways. They can be installed permanently or temporarily based on traffic patterns.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Concrete Barrier

Before selecting a concrete barrier, consider these important factors:

Project duration and use case – Is the barrier temporary for construction or permanent for traffic separation?
Location and traffic conditions – High-speed roads require high-impact resistance. Urban areas may need narrower barriers or added pedestrian safety features.
Regulatory compliance – In California, Caltrans-approved J-hook barriers are required for many projects. Ensure all designs meet MASH or NCHRP 350 safety standards.
Installation and logistics – Precast concrete barriers offer long-term savings with reduced maintenance. Modular systems like the J-Hook simplify transport and setup, improving overall efficiency.

Jensen Infrastructure provides a full range of precast concrete barrier solutions engineered to meet modern transportation demands.

FAQs: Concrete Highway Barriers

How are concrete barriers installed?

Concrete barriers can be installed using either temporary or permanent methods, depending on the project requirements.

Temporary barriers are typically placed using a crane or forklift and set directly on the road surface. They often feature connecting hardware (like J-hooks or pins) that link sections together to create a continuous barrier for construction zones or short-term traffic control.
Permanent barriers are anchored in place using reinforced footing systems, dowels, or grouted connections to meet structural and impact performance requirements. These are often used in medians, bridges, and other areas needing long-term traffic separation or containment.

Installation must follow the agency specifications and safety standards, and Jensen Infrastructure provides solutions designed to meet DOT and project-specific requirements.

What are the standard dimensions of a concrete barrier?

Standard precast concrete highway barriers are commonly manufactured in lengths ranging from 10 to 20 feet, depending on project needs and agency specifications. The base width is typically around 24 inches, and heights usually range from 32 to 42 inches. For example, Caltrans Type 60 and Type 732 barriers are 32 inches tall. Taller or custom configurations are available for specialized applications such as high-speed roadways, bridge rails, or median separation.

Are concrete highway barriers crash-tested?

Yes. Concrete highway barriers are rigorously crash-tested under federal safety standards, including the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) or the older NCHRP Report 350 guidelines. These tests simulate real-world vehicle impacts to evaluate how well the barrier contains, redirects, or decelerates vehicles during a crash.

At Jensen Infrastructure, our barrier designs comply with state DOT and federal requirements, ensuring they meet the necessary safety standards for both permanent and temporary roadway applications.

What are the benefits of Caltrans J-Hook barriers?

Secure interlocking connection for increased stability
Easy transport, installation, and reposition
Compliant with California DOT and MASH safety standards
Ideal for construction zones and high-traffic areas

Their strength, regulatory approval, and ease of deployment make J-Hook barriers a preferred solution for public works projects throughout California and beyond.