Texas Policy

TxDOT requirements for treatment of existing railing for various project classifications are outlined in the table below.

**Table 4.2.1: TxDOT Requirements Upgrading Bridge Railing Current Standards**
Project Classification		Railing Action
Preventive Maintenance (PM) and 2R		Replacement of traffic railing not complying with MASH or NCHRP Report 350 is recommended but not required as long as the minimum rail height requirement is met. Existing traffic railing complying with MASH, or NCHRP Report 350 may be raised to meet the minimum rail height requirement. Existing rail that does not meet the minimum rail height and does not comply with MASH, or NCHRP Report 350 must be upgraded to comply with MASH.
3R	If the structure is not widened and if no work affecting the existing railing is done as part of the 3R project.	Replacement of traffic railing not complying with MASH or NCHRP Report 350 is recommended but not required as long as the minimum rail height requirement is met. Existing traffic railing complying with MASH, NCHRP Report 350 may be raised to meet the minimum rail height requirement.
3R	If rehabilitation work is scheduled or performed which widens the structure to either side or redecks (full-depth) any complete span of the structure, or if any work affecting the rail is done to the existing structure as part of the 3R project.	All traffic railing on the structure must comply with MASH. Railing adjacent to pedestrian walkways must comply with requirements in Chapter 3. Exceptions by approval of Design Exception or Design Waiver Request. Submit the Design Exception or Design Waiver Requests to the Bridge Division. Exceptions to compliance with MASH: Design Exception approval required if ADT is greater than 1,500 VPD. Design Waiver approval required if ADT is less than 1,500 VPD.
4R		Traffic railing must comply with MASH. Railing adjacent to pedestrian walkways must comply with requirements in Chapter 3. Exceptions by approval of Design Exception Request.
Hazard Elimination Program (HES) Projects		3R or 4R criteria as applicable to the elements affected by the programmed scope of the HES project.
All Project Classifications		When traffic rail is upgraded to MASH, adjacent MBGF and guard fence transitions must also be upgraded.

NOTE
: For project classifications and work that does not require the bridge rail to be upgraded, MBGF and MBGF transitions may be upgraded without upgrading the bridge railing provided no work is done to the bridge railing other than the connection of the bridge railing to the transitions or guard fence.