Connection to Bridges
A seamless transition.
A connection to bridge is also known as a transition or bridge approach system. Connection to bridges are safety barriers and are required to provide continuity of protection when W-Beam barrier or Thrie-Beam barrier systems are connected to a different system.
Connection to Bridges Gallery
Made in accordance with the Australian state road authority.
Connection to bridge designs supplied by Safe Direction are manufactured in accordance with Australian state road authority requirements.
- Provide continuity of protection between two barrier systems.
- Gradually increases the stiffness from the semi-rigid to the rigid barrier.
- Reduces the potential for vehicle pocketing at the abutment of the rigid barrier.
- Hot dip galvanised in accordance with AS/NZS 4680.
- Manufactured in accordance with state road authority requirements.
- Transition lengths;
- Victoria Transition: 10m.
- Qld Type 3 Transition: 8m.
- W-Beam to Thrie-beam: 6m.
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Please note that we only service the Sydney region and are unable to do residential jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bridges typically have rigid concrete parapets, while the approach road has a flexible guardrail system. Without a properly designed transition, the abrupt stiffness change can cause a vehicle to snag or vault at the joint point. A bridge connection section gradually transitions the barrier stiffness, helping errant vehicles smoothly redirect regardless of where along the approach they make contact.
We install approach barrier connections for a range of bridge types, including transitions from W-Beam and Thrie Beam guardrail to concrete parapets and steel bridge railings. The transition design is selected based on the bridge structure, the adjoining guardrail system, and the project specifications provided by the engineer or road authority.
Bridge barrier transitions are required to comply with AS/NZS 3845 and the specific bridge design standards applicable to the project. Transport for NSW and other road authorities have standard details for bridge end connections that must be followed on public road projects. Metal Fencing Specialists installs all bridge connections to the relevant standards and project documentation.
The connection design is typically provided by your project manager or road safety engineer as part of the overall bridge and road design package. If no design exists, we can work closely with you and your team to help engage a qualified engineer before installation begins.
We work on both new construction and retrofit projects. On existing bridges, a site assessment is carried out to check the condition of the bridge parapet and the adjoining guardrail before installation begins. Damaged or non-compliant parapets may need to be addressed by the asset owner before a compliant connection can be installed.
