The objectives of this study were to identify and document current delineation practices for urban freeway gore area crash cushions in Texas and to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of experimental crash cushion delineation treatments. The treatments examined were implemented as part of a previous research study in 1982. A survey of the Texas State Department of Highways and Public Transportation (SDHPT) found that most districts used some type of delineation on steel drum crash cushions but varied considerably as to the type and amount used -- from small object markers to nose and/or back panels and flashing lights. A problem cited by the districts was that there are currently no standards or guidelines in texas for delineating crash cushions in freeway gore areas. Experimental treatments investigated in a previous study in houston were reevaluated to determine their long-term effectiveness. The results indicated that treatments installed several years ago had retained their effectiveness in reducing crash cushion repairs over time. Delineation of steel drum crash cushions at eight study sites was considered to be cost effective. Using a cost estimate from a previous study, it was estimated that average annual savings in labour and replacement material costs for the treatments ranged from $990 to $4,400 per site. Total savings at the eight sites, accumulated over the 4-year period, were estimated to be approximately $88,000.
Samenvatting