Barrier transfer machine

Barrier transfer machines, also known as zipper machines or road zipper, are heavy vehicles used to transfer concrete lane dividers, such as jersey barriers, which are used to relieve traffic congestion during rush hours. Many other cities use them temporarily during construction work. The lanes created by the machine are sometimes referred to as zipper lanes.

One advantage of barrier systems over other lane management treatments (i.e.: cones, overhead directional lights) is that a solid, positive barrier prevents vehicle collisions due to motorists crossing over into opposing traffic flow. A disadvantage is that lane widths can be slightly reduced.

The vehicle contains an S-shaped, inverted conveyor channel in its undercarriage which lifts the barrier segments (which may weigh over 1,000 pounds (454 kg)) off the road surface and transfers them over to the other side of the lane, reallocating traffic lanes to accommodate increased traffic for the currently dominant (peak) direction These barriers are linked together with steel connectors to create a sturdy but flexible safety barrier.

The minimum length for some barrier systems is 100 feet (30 meters). The length can vary based on application and the amount of barrier needed to effectively deflect an errant vehicle.

Some barrier systems have four rubber feet on the bottom of each segment “to increase the coefficient of friction between the barrier element and the road surface”. This helps the barrier resist vehicle impact and keeps the barrier from moving significantly when struck.

Barrier transfer machines can typically move their barrier segments anywhere between 4 and 24 feet in one pass, usually at a speed between 5 and 10 mph. Some models of the machine hold 50 feet (15 meters) of barrier at a time as they are engaged in transferring. The machine can transfer within the regular traffic flow without hindering other vehicles:

“Admirably engineered, the barrier-moving process does not compromise traffic flow in either direction, and the truck is shielded by the blocks it's moving. If you're traveling in the same direction as the truck, the lane it's working behind is already blocked. And if you pass the vehicle at the speed limit, you can safely move into the lane ahead of it. Oncoming motorists, meanwhile, are prevented from entering the zipper's lane by the concrete barriers in front of it, and they can move into a lane after they have passed the truck.” --Ann L. Rappoport, Philly.com

Upon completing its pass, some barrier transfer machines can be moved across outside traffic lanes away from the area. However, other systems simply park in a median between their movable barrier and an affixed barrier to keep them from impeding traffic flow. A barrier transfer machine that operates outside of Honolulu has its own garage in the space between viaducts.

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Wikipedia