Barrier transfer machine

A barrier being moved on the Golden Gate Bridge
Hinge pin used as the linkage of moveable barriers[1]
This large machine was used on the Auckland Harbour Bridge to shift the center lane back and forth to accommodate rush hour traffic.
Road Zipper machine at the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California.

A barrier transfer machine, also known as zipper machine or road zipper, is a type of heavy vehicle that is used to transfer concrete lane dividers, such as Jersey barriers, in order to relieve traffic congestion during rush hours. Many other cities use them temporarily during construction work.[2][3][4][5] The lanes created by the machine are sometimes referred to as "zipper lanes".

One advantage of barrier systems over other lane management treatments such as traffic cones or overhead directional lights is that a solid, positive barrier prevents vehicle collisions due to motorists crossing over into opposing traffic flow.[6][7] A disadvantage is that lane widths can be slightly reduced.[7]

  1. ^ "Moveable Concrete Barrier" (PDF). p. 7. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 May 2013. Retrieved 16 August 2014.
  2. ^ "Public Roads: Moveable Barrier Solves Work-Zone Dilemma". Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). July–August 2001. Retrieved 2016-06-14.
  3. ^ "Barrier Systems for Road Construction". www.barriersystemsinc.com. Retrieved 2016-06-14.
  4. ^ "Moveable Barrier" (PDF). Minnesota Department of Transportation. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-11-15. Retrieved 2016-06-14.
  5. ^ Rathee, Munish (2022-11-17). "Automating inspection of moveable lane barrier for Auckland Harbour Bridge traffic safety". Rangahau Aranga: AUT Graduate Review. 1 (3). doi:10.24135/rangahau-aranga.v1i3.111. ISSN 2815-8202.
  6. ^ "Moveable Barrier Systems for Bridges". www.barriersystemsinc.com. Archived from the original on 2016-03-15. Retrieved 2016-06-14.
  7. ^ a b "Golden Gate Bridge gets Lindsay Transportation Solutions barrier". World Highways (Routes Du Monde). Route One Publishing LTD. Retrieved 14 June 2016.