2509.01 GENERAL.
This work shall consist of furnishing and installing crash cushions.

Crash cushions shall be accepted as a crashworthy device by the FHWA and shall meet the requirements of NCHRP Report 350, Test Level 3 criteria. Approved products are listed in Materials I.M. 455, Appendix A. All products listed in Materials I.M. 455, Appendix A, are acceptable for use as temporary crash cushions. When a permanent, redirective, or severe-use crash cushion is required by the contract documents, one of the crash cushions specifically designated for such use in Materials I.M. 455, Appendix A, shall be installed.

In case of a discrepancy between these Specifications and the manufacturer’s recommendations, these Specifications shall govern.

2509.02 MATERIALS.
Crash cushion materials shall meet the manufacturer’s requirements. All crash cushions shall be in good repair when installed. For permanent crash cushions and spare parts kits, equipment and materials shall be of new stock unless the contract documents provide for the relocation or the use of fixtures furnished by others.

Spare parts kits shall include all parts listed in Materials I.M. 455, Appendix A. Spare parts kits shall be supplied by the crash cushion manufacturer and shall contain materials designated for repairing the specific brand and model of crash cushion furnished.

2509.03 CONSTRUCTION.
Crash cushions shall be installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Prior to installation, the Contractor shall provide the Engineer with:

• Three copies of the manufacturer’s most current product manuals covering installation and maintenance of the unit.
• Required certification statements.
• Additional hardware, tools, or documentation supplied by the manufacturer.

The manufacturer may require the use of additional connection hardware, construction of a backup structure, or construction of a paved footing for a specific installation. When required, these items shall be constructed and attached to the obstacle, the crash cushion, or both, in a manner specified by the manufacturer.

Grading work, if required, shall be completed prior to installation of crash cushions.

When a roadway is closed to public traffic for construction, all crash cushions shall be installed prior to opening the road to traffic.

Attachments to new concrete or to anchor bolts set in epoxy resin shall not be stressed until the new concrete or epoxy resin has attained an age of 3 calendar days. This time requirement may be lengthened by the Engineer during cool weather.

A. Temporary Crash Cushions.
Unless otherwise shown in the contract documents, the Contractor shall apply a retroreflective panel as described for permanent crash cushions.

When damaged, the Contractor shall repair or replace the crash cushion. Initiation of service to a damaged crash cushion shall be within one hour of notification. The object that is being shielded shall not be exposed to traffic for more than 12 hours.

When a temporary crash cushion is no longer required, the crash cushion shall be removed and become the property of the Contractor. The Contractor shall remove any anchor bolts and fill the bolt holes with one of the non-shrink grouts listed in Materials I.M. 491.13, Appendix B.

When a crash cushion is required after the final stage of a project, the crash cushion will remain in place and become the property of the Contracting Authority.

B. Permanent Crash Cushions.
The approach end of the crash cushion shall be marked with a rectangular panel consisting of materials approved by the manufacturer and installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The panel shall be covered with alternating black and retroreflective yellow stripes. Stripes shall be a minimum of 3 inches (75 mm) in width and shall be sloped down at an angle of 45 degrees toward the side on which traffic is to pass the crash cushion. If traffic can pass to either side of the crash cushion, the alternating black and retroreflective yellow stripes shall form chevrons that point upwards. Yellow stripes shall meet the retroreflectivity requirements for Type III or Type IV reflective sheeting.

For crash cushions with a flat face, the panel shall cover the entire face of the crash cushion.

For crash cushions with a rounded face, the panel shall cover the entire height and width of that portion of the face between the sides of the crash cushion. However, the panel need not cover that portion of the face within 12 inches (300 mm) of the ground or higher than 42 inches (1050 mm).

Permanent crash cushions will become the property of the Contracting Authority.

2509.04 METHOD OF MEASUREMENT.
The Engineer will count the number of temporary or permanent crash cushions installed and the number of spare parts kits delivered to the local maintenance office.

Backup structures, paved footings, and additional connection hardware will not be measured separately for payment.

2509.05 BASIS OF PAYMENT.