Effective road safety hardware (RSH) such as permanent and temporary barrier systems, frangible lighting columns and breakaway devices are used to provide forgiving roads and roadsides. Read more on the Road safety hardware page of the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency website, which includes information on road safety barrier systems, road lighting columns, traffic sign supports and standard drawings.
Road safety barriers are designed to provide a high level of road safety by containing and redirecting errant vehicles and thereby preventing them from leaving the road.
A range of barrier systems are available for use in both permanent and temporary situations. All road safety barrier products must be accepted by Waka Kotahi for use on state highways. For further information on road safety hardware systems accepted for installation on the state highway network, please refer to:
Road safety barrier systems specification M23
Large traffic signs represent a significant roadside hazard. To mitigate the risks associated with these necessary roadside objects, Waka Kotahi has developed technical advice in consultation with industry in relation to the selection, installation and maintenance of passively safe (or frangible) traffic sign supports. All traffic sign support systems must be accepted by Waka Kotahi for use on state highways.
The Transport Agency has developed standard drawings in response to particular site constraints to assist designers in achieving safe road safety barrier designs. Most relate to information found in an associated technical memorandum or specification.
Standard drawings for road safety barriers
For further information contact trafficandsafety@nzta.govt.nz.
