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Home > Roadway Departure Safety > Policy/Guidance

Roadside Hardware Policy and Guidance

FHWA policy requires that roadside hardware used on the National Highway System (NHS) be performance-tested for crashworthiness. While FHWA oversight is limited to the NHS, the FHWA recommends use of crashworthy hardware wherever crashes may occur. The relevant policy, procedures, and guidance are posted here.

FHWA Policy Memoranda on Roadside Hardware
Here’s where to find FHWA policy memoranda on roadside hardware.

NCHRP Report 350: Recommended Procedures for the Safety Performance Evaluation of Highway Features:

• Part A [PDF 2.44 MB]
• Part B [PDF 1.26 MB]

FHWA policy defines crashworthy devices as those that have passed a crash test conducted under the procedures defined in NCHRP Report 350.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About Roadside Safety Appurtenances
Questions and comments from State transportation agencies, industry, and the Federal Highway Administration.

• FAQs on Barriers, Terminals, and Bridge railings
• FAQs on Work Zone Traffic Control Devices
• Clear Zone and Horizontal Clearance Frequently Asked Questions
• Implementation of the AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) [in preparation as of January 25, 2010]

The Roadside Design Guide is currently being revised by AASHTO’s Technical Committee on Roadside Safety, with the update planned for completion in 2010.

Search for Crashworthy Hardware (FHWA Hardware Acceptance)

To find hardware that has been tested for crashworthiness according to the NCHRP-recommended procedures, see:

• Longitudinal Barriers (also includes some Bridge Rails, Bridge Rail Transitions, and Guardrail Offset Blocks)
• Barrier Terminals/Crash Cushions
• Bridge Railings
• Breakaway Hardware
• Work Zone Devices
• Miscellaneous Hardware
• Laboratories with Experience in Testing Roadside Safety Hardware

Program Contact

Mary McDonough
Roadway Departure Team Leader
mary.mcdonough@dot.gov
202-366-2175

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