On controlled access highways, concrete barriers will generally be provided in medians of 30-ft or less. On non-controlled access highways, concrete barriers may be used on medians of 30-ft or less; however, care should be exercised to avoid the creation of an obstacle or restriction in sight distance at median openings or on horizontal curves. Generally, the use of concrete barriers on noncontrolled access facilities should be restricted to areas with potential safety concerns such as railroad separations or through areas where median constriction occurs. Concrete barriers may be considered in medians wider than 30-ft based on an operational analysis or safety analysis

Medians for urban freeway sections generally are relatively narrow and flush. For new construction, an urban freeway usually includes a relatively narrow flush median (see ) with a concrete barrier.

In determining the type of barrier to be used, the primary consideration is safety, both for vehicular impacts and during maintenance activities. Field experience with concrete barriers indicates that, unlike guard fence systems, maintenance operations are not normally required following vehicular impact.

Reconstruction projects with median barriers should be considered on a project-by-project basis. Often, the structural capability of existing bridges may make the use of concrete median barriers infeasible due to increased dead load.

TxDOT’s design standards and standard construction specifications provide more information on the design and construction details for concrete barriers.