I-380 cable barrier installation begins

CEDAR RAPIDS - Work has begun on two median cable barrier installation projects to reduce serious accidents on most of I-380 in Johnson and Linn Counties.

Work began last month on a project to install cable barrier on most of I-380 from the Wright Brothers Boulevard exit in southwest Cedar Rapids and the Boyson Road exit in Hiawatha.

A second project to bring median cable barrier from I-80 north to Wright Brothers Boulevard began this week, according to John Vu, project engineer for the Iowa Department of Transportation District 6 office in Cedar Rapids.

Cable barriers will be installed at least 12 feet from the painted edge line of the interstate in the median. Such barriers use multiple strands of heavy steel cable to prevent vehicles that veer into the median from crossing into oncoming traffic where they could be struck by vehicles going the opposite direction, DOT officials say. The cables also tend to absorb shock when struck by a vehicle, causing less likelihood of serious injury or a rebound into their original lane than a solid barrier.

The I-380 cable barrier installation typically won't require any lane closures in the day time due to traffic volumes, according to DOT planner Cathy Cutler. She said no cable barrier installation will take place on the elevated stretches of I-380 that traverse parts of Cedar Rapids.

Nationwide Construction of Chesterfield, Mich., will construct the northern segment of the median cable barrier under a $1,337,165 contract with the DOT. Lovewell Fence and Deck of Davenport will construct the southern segment of the barrier under a $896,502 contract.

The initial work includes excavating and grading the median as needed, drilling post holes and placing concrete anchors with sleeves to hold posts. The final stage involves installing the posts and cable, and putting tension on the cable.

Cable barrier is being installed on several of the busiest stretches of interstate highway in Iowa, Cutler said The barriers will  include I-80 in Johnson County, most of Cedar County and part of Iowa County.