ODOT Plans To Replace Guard Rails With Cable Barriers On Two-Lane Highways

Drivers in Oklahoma could soon be seeing less guardrails on the side of the highway. 

The Oklahoma Department of Transportation said its planning to install more cable barriers. Overall ODOT said it plans on installing 10 miles of cable barriers, some of which is contracted to start in October. 

ODOT said cable barriers installed in the center median on divided highways have been effective in reducing the severity of crossover collisions.This is why the department is considering replacing guardrails with the cables on two-lane highways.

ODOT said concrete barriers deflect most of the energy from a crash back to the vehicle. But cable barriers provide a softer impact and absorbs more of it.

Transportation officials across the state said they are also easily fixed if they are hit. In Oklahoma City, officials said that happens every day. 

ODOT said the cost of cable barriers sits around $170,000 per mile to install. Compare that to the whopping 600,000  it takes per mile for concrete barriers.

So, overall the cost of installing these cables is cheaper than concrete barriers.