Wire Highway Barriers Part 2: Locations

As Seen in Thunder Road Magazine

 

 In the last issue of this magazine, my column was titled, “Wire Highway Barriers: Cheese Graters for Motorcyclists”.  As you may recall from the article, wire highway barriers are also called median cable guard rails.  They are comprised of cable rope made of steel wire that is mounted on posts that are driven into the ground.
 

The idea is that the wire barriers prevent a vehicle that has left the roadway from striking another vehicle and creating a more dangerous situation. The barrier stops or reduces the speed of the impacting vehicle.  It is usually installed in the grass between opposite traveling express ways.

 

Michigan increased its use of wire highway barriers in 2008 in large as part of federal monies that were given for certain projects. A major reason this type of barrier is used is because it is the most cost-effective safety barrier available at almost a third of the price of the regular steel guardrail we are used to seeing.

 

Impact to motorcycles: Certainly motorcyclists benefit from other vehicles being stopped from crossing the median and hitting them—the motorcyclist.  But obviously the concern is that these wires present a more serious risk of severe injury and even death to a motorcyclist.  Some motorcyclists refer to these wire rope barriers as “widow makers.”  I have heard talk that if a motorcyclist hits one of these barriers there would be a ‘cheese-grater’ effect. 

 

This writer’s research found that the State of Michigan has outweighed the cost of non-motorcycle vehicle benefit against potential motorcyclists harm.  It decided against the motorcyclists—more wire barriers are being installed.  They are on the rise. 

 

The most requested information from the calls and e-mails I received after my last article circulated was the location of the wire rope barriers here in Michigan. Therefore, I’ve compiled a list below.  Some stretches of state roadways in MDOT's Southwest Region that have had cable barriers installed include:

- I-94 from Michigan/Indiana state line to Maudlin Road, north of New Buffalo (2009-10).
- I-94 from US-12 to the I-94 Business Loop in Stevensville (Lakeshore Drive) (2009-10).
- I-94 from Park Road in BentonTownship to the Kalamazoo/Van Buren County line (2009).
- I-94 from Kalamazoo/Van Buren county line to 12th Street (2009-10).
- US-131 from West B. Avenue south of Plainwell to 146th Avenue north of Moline (2009-10).
- I-94 from 40th Street east of Galesburg to Old US-27 in Marshall (2010).
- I-196 from 71st Street north to 118th Avenue (2009-10).
- I-196 from 118th Street north to 130th Avenue (2010-11).
    

Should a motorcyclist wish to complain about the use of these wire barriers in Michigan you may call the Michigan Department Transportation (MDOT) at 517-373-2090. 

 

 

 

Attorney Jason A. Waechter is a Michigan attorney specializing in the areas of motorcycle and motor vehicle injury litigation as well as Michigan’s Motor Vehicle No- Fault Law. Mr. Waechter has collected millions of dollars in settlements, awards and verdicts for his motorcycle clients over the past 20 years.  A portion of each case settled goes to educational resources for bikers, funds to help bikers while their cases are being litigated and our motorcycle accident prevention campaign.  Call Attorney Jason Waechter toll free at 1-877-BIKER LAW. Or visit

* There are exceptions—if the guy was uninsured.  Further, the law is very fact dependent and there are many nuances and exceptions depending on your particular circumstances. Therefore, given the limited space, it is impossible to cover everything. Do not rely on this short article to protect your rights.