Often, when we go to an airport, we see slabs of concrete in the parking areas and along roadways. These concrete slabs are called Jersey barriers and are designed to direct traffic and protect pedestrians.
The Jersey barrier was first developed in California but made popular in New Jersey in the 1950s. The ability for these concrete slabs to direct traffic has made them popular with roadway engineers.
Jersey barriers look like small concrete walls approximately 3 feet tall. They are wider at the base than at the top to provide stability. They can be permanent structures or temporary and movable.
Most barriers at airports are temporary and are designed to protect passengers as they walk in parking areas and along roadways. Each of these barriers is normally 10 feet in length.
Cars that collide with Jersey barriers normally bounce off without injuring the passengers. Additionally, temporary Jersey barriers can be easily moved with construction equipment providing flexibility as airport plans change.
Jersey barriers are normally placed directly along the edge of a roadway. If you are driving next to a Jersey barrier, there is no room to pull off the road if your car has a mechanical problem.
