Mobile Barriers MBT-1™
Background & Specifications
Available for
Sale, Lease or Rent
Mobile Barriers MBT-1™
"Improving safety, efficiency and traffic flows in and around work zones"
Mobile Barriers MBT-1 provides 42-102’ (12-31 m) of highly mobile positive barrier protection with minimal deflection. The MBT-1 essentially functions as an integrated barrier, utility vehicle, and flatbed trailer all in one. It can be used with any standard semi-tractor with 60” (1.5 m) of swing clearance and pulls fully set up at speed from site to site. It can be easily reconfigured to the right or left depending on the end to which the tractor is attached (see Reconfiguration video), and can be ordered with integral power, lights, signage, TMA and other features. It has lockable and on-deck storage at both ends.
For crews, the barrier protects against work zone incursions (front, back and side), reduces the number of vehicles and equipment otherwise needed on site (reducing clutter and congestion in the work zone), and improves lighting and ambient conditions (reducing fatigue and improving the general ability to focus on the work at hand). Each of these areas has been shown in applicable research to be significant contributors to fatalities and injuries within work zones.
For passing traffic, the barrier can help reduce the number and duration of lane closures (reducing the amount of disruption and congestion), improve physical and visual separation between passing traffic and workers (reducing distraction), and reduce upstream/downstream glare (allowing aging eyes to pass with less adjustment and strain).
Mobile Barriers MBT-1 is the first and only such highly mobile barrier to be tested and accepted/Federal-aid eligible for speed appropriate TL-2 and TL-3 use on the NHS, under both NCHRP 350 and MASH. In 2012, it was hit by 2 semi-trucks with nominal damage (click here for information and pictures).
With life cycle costs of $15,000/yr or less, the MBT-1 can pay for itself with nominal usage, and in less than 2 years with 10-15 lane closures per month, while significantly improving safety, efficiency and traffic flows in and around work zones. Federal assistance may be available to help cover rental or up-front purchase costs.
Ways in which Mobile Barriers MBT-1 is being used is illustrated in recent IRF, ARTBA, and AMOTIA presentations, as well as various video and television news stories (MBT-1 Highlights, NBC-Denver 2008, CW-DFW 2009, NBC-DFW 2010) carried for your convenience on the “Home” and “Pics & Info” pages on this web site.
The Colorado Department of Transportation now has three MBT-1. A study in Colorado (Hallowell et al. 2009) investigated the potential effectiveness of the MBT-1 in work zones. The study noted various attributes including significant advantages in the MBT-1’s lighting schemes, programmable message board and radar, higher 5’ walls, increased overall mass, higher TL-3 crash-testing, and the overall simplicity and mobility (no on-road deployment required – workers can pull into place and immediately go to work). Since work zone power, signage and work area lighting systems are integrated with the MBT-1, the systems are always in optimal location relative to the work activity.
The North Texas Tollway Authority likewise acquired one of the first MBT-1 and now has three operating on its roadways (two under direct ownership and a third under contract). NTTA has used the barriers heavily and has reported positive experiences in various articles and a TRB presentation. Pickard 2009 and NTTA 2011 report that maintenance staff quickly experienced its ease of use and protection, and use them daily.
There are also three MBT-1 in Ontario, Canada where they are used extensively. The Ministry of Transportation has found them to be saving both time and money (Graham, et. al. 2011 and Buchanan & Phillips 2011– article and audio interviews available under Pics & Info). Deployments are now also expanding into Western Canada.
There are three MBT-1 in NY and NJ. In their report on NJDOT’s MBT-1, Kamga & Washington 2009 found that the MBT-1’s functional requirements were state-of-the-art for work zone positive protection against lateral intrusions by vehicles. The authors stated the MBT-1 far exceeded expectations to protect workers from bodily injuries caused by errant vehicles and also protected drivers from possible injuries with its TMA and unique ability to rock slightly on its suspension while turning and redirecting crash energy. They noted the barrier’s mobility both to the site and on the site was another attractive feature when considering the implementation of this barrier on a given road construction project, due to decreased setup time compared to more traditional traffic control devices.
Barbaccia 2011 (w/ Better Roads Magazine) interviewed MBT-1 users in various states who accredited it with helping minimize traffic disruption and maximizing worker safety in short-duration, rapid-work zones, while at the same time increasing efficiency and productivity.
There is now an MBT-1 located just outside of Washington DC just a few miles down from the Pentagon at the I-395/I-495 intersection. MBT-1 are located within minutes of the airports in Denver, Dallas, DC (Reagan and Dulles), NY (JFK and LaGuardia), Portland and Toronto. Contact us to see one.
MBT-1™ Basic Configuration
(62’ w/ 1 wall section)
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Modular platforms, caboose (movable rear axle assembly) & wall sections.
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Configurable from 42-102’w/ 0-3 wall sections.
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Use one or more individually or together.
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Reconfigurable to the right or left.
(tractor & caboose attach at either end) -
Tested/FHWA Accepted under NCHRP 350 & MASH for TL-2 and TL-3 use on the National Highway System.
Common Options
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Additional Wall Sections (20’ ea/0-3 can be used)
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Onboard Power (120/240 generator, 12/24V battery packs & solar)
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Work Lighting
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Signage
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TMA (TL-2 or TL-3)
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Rear steer (w/ adjustable clearance) (NEW!)
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Other (made to order)
