Features at a Glance
Safety for
Passing Traffic & Workers
Highly
Mobile
Integrated Equipment & Supplies
Reconfigurable
Increasing Workzone
Productivity
Background
Mobile Barriers MBT-1® is tested, accepted and Federal-aid eligible for speed appropriate use on the National Highway System (NHS). It was originally conceived following a tragic incident in which two Colorado maintenance workers were killed by a wrong-way driver in June 2004. It underwent 4 years of development and refinement working with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) before being first deployed in Colorado in June 2008. After further in service testing and evaluation, it was formally introduced in San Jose the following year where it received the American Traffic Safety Services Association’s (ATSSA’s) Innovation of the Year Award for 2009. It has since gone on to receive increasing accolades for improving safety, efficiency and traffic flows in and around work zones, including additional national and international awards from the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), Transportation Development Foundation (TDF), Better Roads, Transportation Association of Canada (TAC-ATC), the International Road Federation (IRF) and others. With life cycle costs of less than $20,000/yr the MBT-1® can pay for itself with nominal usage. Learn more about cost-benefits.
Mobile Barriers MBT-1® provides 42-102 feet (12-31 meters) 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 inches (1.5 meters) 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
animation
and
timelapse video
), and can be ordered with integral power, lights, signage, truck mounted attenuator (TMA) and other features. It has
lockable and on-deck storage at both ends.
For crews, the MBT-1® 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 MBT-1® helps improve safety while reducing the number and duration of lane closures. There's no better way to reduce work zone accidents and improve conditions for
everyone than to safely complete the work as quickly as possible and reopen the roadway to normal traffic flow.
Mobile Barriers MBT-1® has been presented and highlighted at numerous national and international conferences and meetings, as well as in various articles and television
news stories
( CW-DFW,
NBC-DFW 2010)
. For additional pictures and information, please visit the Resources page on this website.
"There’s no better way to reduce work zone accidents and improve conditions for everyone than to safely complete the work as quickly as possible and reopen the roadway to normal traffic flow."
Specifications & Options
HSIP, NHPP, STBGP, and FEMA Funds Available.FHWA listed under "longitudinal barriers".
Mobile Barriers MBT-1® provides 42-102 feet (12-31 meters) of highly mobile positive barrier protection with minimal deflection. It can be used with any standard semi-tractor with 60 inches (1.5 meters) of swing clearance and pulls fully set up at speed from site to site. It is commonly used with a cabover or daycab tractor. Configured at 62 feet [18.9 m] (using 1 wall section), the MBT-1® drives
similar to a semi-trailer.
Mobile Barriers MBT-1® can be easily reconfigured
to the right or left depending on the end to which the tractor is attached (see Reconfiguration
animation
and
timelapse video
). The MBT-1® features lockable & on-deck storage and can be ordered with integrated electrical power, lights, signage, truck mounted attenuator (TMA), crane, and other features.
Mobile Barriers MBT-1® is available for sale, lease, or rent.
Sample Specifications
View Mobile Barriers MBT-1® Sample Specification 1View Mobile Barriers MBT-1® Sample Specification 2
View Mobile Barriers MBT-1® Sample Specification 3
View Mobile Barriers MBT-1® Sample Specification 4
View Mobile Barriers MBT-1® Sample Specification 5
View Mobile Barriers MBT-1® Sample Specification 6
MBT-1® Configured to 62ft (18.9m) with 1 Wall Section
| Modular Configuration |
|
|||
| Reconfigurable | Reconfigurable to protect right or left side of road. Tractor & caboose attach at either end. | |||
| Accepted/Federal Aid Eligible | Accepted/Federal Aid Eligible under NCHRP 350 & MASH for TL-2 and TL-3 for use on the National Highway System. |
Common Options
| Integrated Power | 10K generator with 120/240V power outlets throughout barrier. 12/24V batteries & solar. |
| Work Lighting | Long-lasting, high lumen work lights for night operations. |
| Signage | Matrix board (with radar) or arrow board. Hydraulic lift. Solar, battery pack, & generator power. |
| Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA) | TL-2 or TL-3. |
- The MBT-1® must be used with a tractor (or dolly) under the front.
Sample Configurations
A variety of supplies and equipment can be carried. The MBT-1® essentially functions as an integrated barrier, utility vehicle, and flatbed trailer all-in-one. It has lockable and on-deck storage at both ends. Integrating equipment has the benefit of simplifying logistics, increasing team productivity, and reducing work zone footprints & project duration.
