Anti-Vehicle Barrier Comparisons

Anti-Vehicle Barrier Type: Advantages/Disadvantages	Description
Electric/hydraulic rising bollards
Advantages:	Unobtrusive visually when raised Possibility of enhanced decorative appearance Installation does not directly affect existing gate Bollards can fit any opening small or large
Disadvantages:	Fewer options for manufacturers Bollards require additional space beyond the original gate footprint Electrically operated requiring power to be brought to each site Must be installed in asphalt or concrete Extensive excavation with potential for below ground conflicts Bollards are not effective against motorcycles Typically 3-10 second raising time requiring vehicle entering site to ensure bollards and gate are closed Gate will be closed for a minimum of three weeks during construction Many moving parts (maintenance)
Approximate Cost:	Total Cost $140,000 per lane
Wedge Barrier
Advantages:	Effective at stopping vehicles Reliable, simple product Many suppliers available Wedge barriers can be quickly raised in an emergency Very commonly used throughout the world
Disadvantages:	Extensive excavation area Not generally installed to be effective against a motorcycle Heavy-duty forklift required for installation Generally considered unattractive May interfere with roadway drainage 10-12' is the maximum width per barrier
Approximate Cost	$100,000 per lane
Fortified Rolling Gate:
Advantages:	Gates have integrated K-12 rating, spans the entire width Does not require additional electrical work beyond a standard gate operator pad Does not require additional roadway be used Effective in stopping pedestrians and motorcycles
Disadvantages:	Requires excavation across the roadway Requires installation of heavy duty gate operator Extremely heavy gates which tend to be maintenance intensive Slow cycle speeds of 20-40 seconds for 20' wide opening
Approximate cost:	$100,000 for 20 foot wide roadway
Barrier Gate Arms
Advantages:	Foundations installed outside of the roadway Manual and electric options available Simple construction Unobtrusive visually Low maintenance Short construction duration Effective at stopping motorcyclists
Disadvantages:	Requires space outside of the existing gate footprint Low visibility at night with potential for accidental testing of barrier (it happened to an installation of ours) 24' is the extreme maximum width for this style barrier Can't stop pedestrians Larger barriers aren't meant for high traffic areas
Approximate cost:	$50,000 per lane
Securegate (Monolock) by Crisp Barrier
Advantages:	Built to be installed on manual or automated sliding gates Does not require any electrical power Can be installed on a variety of styles of existing gates Does not require additional footprint outside of existing gate Minimizes accidental impacts as it is attached to the existing gate Gate can be operational for all but a few hours while installation is occurring Does not require any excavation of roadway Can improve the performance of operated gates Will never be left open accidentally Simple maintenance-free design with no moving parts No surface requirements ie. paving etc.
Disadvantages:	Requires some excavation on the inside edge of gate at the shoulders of the road Does not have DOS or DOD crash ratings due to varying sizes of gate openings Gate may need to be upgraded depending on existing condition Slow cycle times associated with sliding gates
Approximate cost:	Total cost $35,000

Summary There are many solutions on the market and they are all the best solutions in certain situations. However, it pays to taketime to look at as many aspects of the crash barrier selection.Security, safety, cycle time, and budgetary are 4 aspectswhich will get you most of the way towards a decision.	Important Evaluation Factors Safety factors associated with the equipment/installation Effectiveness at achieving the desired crash rating Cycle time for traffic throughput Durability/Maintenance Requirements Usability at all gate locations Cost for materials/labor Electrical hookup/re-wiring requirements Downtime for the affected gate Reputation of supplier Installation time Experience of installer Operation controls Construction footprint Amount of heavy equipment required