What Is the Standard Height of a Highway Guardrail?

27 Mar.,2025

Guardrails are essential safety features of a highway. They are designed to prevent cars from leaving the road and colliding with other vehicles or objects.

 

Highway guardrails are structures designed to prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway and crashing into obstacles or going off the road. Guardrails have been instrumental in reducing the number of fatalities and injuries that result from car accidents. In this article, we will discuss the standard height of a highway guardrail, the benefits of having guardrails, and the materials used to make them.

The standard height of a highway guardrail

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the standard height of a highway guardrail should be 31 inches (790mm) above the driving surface for roads with a maximum speed of 45mph (72km/h) and lower. On the other hand, a higher speed road of up to 65mph (104km/h), highways guards should have a minimum height of 33 inches (840mm). The height requirement hides the body and small parts of the car, preventing the potential for more significant injuries.

 

 

Benefits of having guardrails

Guardrails are essential safety features of a highway. They are designed to prevent cars from leaving the road and colliding with other vehicles or objects. Below are some benefits of having guardrails on highways:

1. Prevents dangerous off-road crashes - The primary purpose of guardrails is to prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway and going off the road, which can be deadly in some cases.

2. Reduces crash severity - Guardrails are designed to absorb the force of impact in a crash, so the vehicle doesn't hit the obstacle with full force. This can reduce the severity of injuries and even save lives.

3. Increases safety for all road users - Besides protecting the driver, guardrails can also provide safety for other roadside users such as pedestrians, animals, and cyclists.

Materials used to make highway guardrails

Guardrails can be made of several different materials. Here are some of the most commonly used materials:

1. Steel - Steel is the most commonly used material for highway guardrails. The reason for its popularity is that it's strong, durable, and can withstand different climate conditions.

2. Wood - In some cases, wood has been used due to the low cost, easy to replace, and environmentally friendly. However, its service life is shorter compared to steel. 

3. Concrete - Concrete is another material used to make guardrails on highways. It's durable, long-lasting, and not easily damaged by impact. However, because it is heavy, it can be more difficult to install than other materials

Why choose galvanized highway Guardrail?

Galvanized Highway Guardrails are physical barriers that stand between moving vehicles and potential hazards. This type of guardrail is made of high-grade steel that is hot-dip galvanized to provide long-lasting protection against corrosion and other forms of damage. The galvanization process ensures that rust and deterioration do not affect the overall durability of the guardrail.

Why choose us as your supplier?

Our company offers a range of high-quality galvanized highway guardrails that are designed to exceed FHWA standards. We use only the best materials that are hot-dip galvanized to ensure long-lasting protection. Our skilled team of professionals prioritizes safety, quality, and affordability in every step of the production process. We also provide reliable installation services to ensure that your project is completed correctly, on time, and on budget.

Highway guardrails are critical safety features that protect motorists and other roadside users. The standard height of a highway guardrail should be 31 inches for roads with speeds of 45mph and below and 33 inches for highways with speeds of up to 65mph, reducing the potential for fatalities and injuries. Galvanized Highway Guardrails are the best option thanks to their durability. Don't hesitate to contact us as your supplier for all your guardrail needs.

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