Cable barrier project to begin, DOT says it will make I-16 safer

Soon various sections of Interstate 16 will be equipped with cable median barriers, which reduce highway crossover crashes that typically result in fatalities or severe injuries.

Nationwide Construction Group was recently awarded the $7.98 million project that covers median locations from Treutlen to Chatham counties. Activities are expected to begin Monday, April 16 on the west side of the project in Treutlen County before Exit 67.

Exact I-16 install mile post (MP) parameters are:

Contractors will complete median area grading and clearing work, drill foundations and pour concrete in preparations for the cable placement. Crews expect to move through one mile a day if all goes as planned.

Lane closures up to two miles are permitting daily if needed but must be removed promptly upon work completion the same day. Long term lane shut downs are not allowed in the contract.

Official contract completion is listed Oct. 31, 2019.

The Federal Highway Administration said cable median barriers are “cost-effective means of reducing the severity of median crossover crashes.” The cable barrier system going in along I-16 is four-cable longitudinal designed to contain and redirect errant vehicles.

Cable barrier, as a median barrier, is softer, resulting in less impact force and redirection, are more adaptable to slopes typically found in medians, and can be installed through less invasive construction methods.

Once installed and accepted by the Department, Georgia DOT staff takes over maintenance acceptance responsibility.