Historic

- looks like older rail types, such as picket rails (C2P), post and beam (T66 and C66), or the Texas Classic (T411 and C411).

Aesthetic

- These rails include the T1F, T1P, T1W, T411, T66, C2P, C1W, T224, and C412.

Open

- Open rails on Texas bridges enhance the bridge user's view from the bridge and often improve the appearance of the bridge. TxDOT encourages the use of open bridge railing on most bridges crossing a water feature and locations where the view would appeal to users. The cost premium of open bridge railing often may be offset by increased positive perception of the public. These rails include the T1F, T1P, T2P, T1, C2P, and C1W.

Partially open

- These rails are similar to open but have less open area. These rails include the T411, C411, T223, C223, T402, C402, and T224.

Drainage

- Rails that provide large openings near the deck. These rails include the T631, T631LS, and T223.

Lightest

- These are the rails with the least weight. The T631/T631LS are the lightest rails. Other rails under 200 lbs./lf include the T1F, T1P, T2P, and T1W.

Narrowest

- The rails that have the least width at 12 inches or less are the T631, T631LS, T221, and T222.

Precast or rapid construction

- The T221P rail is precast and is anchored by bolting thru the deck. The T631 and T631LS can be installed quickly. The T221, T222, T551, T552, SSTR, and T80SS can be slip formed which speeds up construction. The T402, C402, and T80HT can be slip formed when adhesive anchors are used.