The Arkansas Department of Transportation is piloting a new roadway safety technology designed to improve driver protection and reduce crash damage at a high-traffic interchange in Saline County.
The pilot installation of a Safety Rolling Barrier (SRB) system has been placed at the on-ramp from Highway 35 North (Carpenter Road) to the Interstate 30 eastbound frontage road in Benton. This marks the first time this type of barrier has been installed on a state-owned roadway in Arkansas.
Safety Rolling Barriers use durable plastic rollers that rotate upon impact, absorbing and distributing crash energy more evenly than traditional steel guardrails. The rolling motion helps redirect vehicles along the roadway, reducing the likelihood of severe impacts and helping vehicles come to a controlled stop.
“Our agency is committed to enhancing safety and embracing modern technologies,” said Jared Wiley, director of The Arkansas Department of Transportation. “This pilot installation gives us an opportunity to evaluate an emerging technology that could become another valuable tool in improving highway safety for all users.”
According to transportation officials, the SRB system has been crash-tested and has demonstrated reduced damage to both the barrier itself and vehicles involved in collisions. This could translate into lower repair costs and improved safety outcomes for motorists.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation plans to monitor the barrier’s performance for approximately one year. Data collected during the pilot will help determine whether the technology should be expanded to other locations across the state where traditional guardrails are currently in use.
Motorists traveling through the area are encouraged to remain alert and follow posted traffic signage during the evaluation period.
Leave a Reply