Interchange June 2021
Vol. 49, Iss. 6
Crash attenuator keeps WYDOT crews, public safe Attenuators designed to absorb energy from a crash
The car saw extensive damage; WYDOT vehicles saw barely a scratch By Jordan Achs Whether it’s paving, striping or guardrail repairs, WYDOT crews often have to work in areas that are exposed to highspeed highway or interstate traffic. Because of the risk associated with this work, robust traffic control plans and equipment are vital for the safety of the traveling public and WYDOT crews. On May 14, District 1’s rural striping crew was working on Interstate 80 west of Laramie at about milepost 300. The crew was painting the white dashed centerline
at speeds of less than 15 mph, almost a standstill compared to the 80 mph speed limit on that section of I-80. While they were working, a worst nightmare was realized: a vehicle crashed into their operation. Fortunately, the crew was using a support truck with a truck-mounted crash attenuator (TMA). No serious injuries were reported. While the car saw extensive damage, the WYDOT vehicles (including the expensive striping equipment) saw barely
a scratch. Alton Garcia, who was driving the vehicle pulling the TMA, said he hardly felt the crash. Crash attenuators are designed to absorb the energy from a rear-end crash, protecting not just workers on the highway but the public as well. “For a high-speed crash like this, I would say it very likely saved the life of the driver and prevented injury or worse for our crew,” said Ryan Shields, District 1’s Traffic Engineer. “We always use a TMA for striping since it’s one of the