Roadside Hardware

Combination Railing: Combination railing is designed for use on the outside of raised sidewalks when no separator railing is used on a facility with design speeds of 45 mph or less. It is sometimes used, though not typically required, as separator railing between traffic on a high- or low-speed facility and an at-grade sidewalk.

Openings between horizontal or vertical members on pedestrian railing must be small enough that a 6-inch sphere cannot pass through them in the lower 27 inches. For the portion of pedestrian railing that is higher than 27 inches, openings may be spaced such that an 8-inch sphere cannot pass through them.

Separator Railing: Separator railing may be appropriate on lower speed bridges that are close to schools or that have significant pedestrian traffic. Sites should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

When using a separator railing, attach a metal-beam guard fence and terminate it at the edge of the roadway shoulder, letting pedestrians walk behind the guard fence. If needed, a crash cushion can be used to absorb railing end impact energy. A curb will adversely affect the performance of a barrier terminal.

Containment Fences and Cages: Some pedestrian-use bridges and walkways may pose a threat to vehicles or trains from vandals throwing objects; such bridges and walkways may have a protective containment cage for the pedestrians. It is a local or railroad company decision about whether a fence or containment cage is required at a particular site. Full containment cages on Texas bridges require minimum headroom for all walks and tunnels of 8 ft; more headroom may be required based on the needs of users.

Although they are not maintained as standards, details of various fences and containment cages are available as working drawings from the Bridge Division.

Pedestrian-only Railing: Railing for pedestrian-only bridges in Texas must comply with the geometry and strength requirements of current AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specification2 ( Ref. A-5) . Pedestrian railing openings between horizontal or vertical members must be small enough that a 6-inch sphere cannot pass through them in the lower 27 inches. For the portion of pedestrian railing that is higher than 27 inches, openings may be spaced such that an 8-inch sphere cannot pass through them.

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