Highway Guardrail Specifications

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Before installing some guardrail, I did a quick check of the web for post spacing and height. This page:

http://www.extranet.vdot.state.va.us/LocDes/Electronic%20Pubs/Standards/7-01rev/501_14.pdf

was the most comprehensive hit. Other pages gave similar values but be aware that this is a Virginia spec. Height of top of rail from ground is 32-1/4" (about 3/8" in H0), post spacing is 6’3" or 12’ 6" ( about 7/8" or 1-3/4" in H0) with tighter spacing on curves.

I hope that this information is useful to someone since a search of the forum generated no hits for me.

2

Here is a Standard Plan for Guardrail from California. Note that in Virginia the rail splices are between the posts, in California the splices are at the posts.

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/oe/project_plans/highway_plans/stdplans_US-customary-units_06/viewable_pdf/a77a1.pdf

Here is the link to the California Standard Plans. (updated link 7-5-17) 2010 plans - scroll down to guardraol pages.

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/oe/project_plans/HTM/stdplns-US-customary-units-new10.htm

3

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/oe/project_plans/highway_plans/stdplans_US-customary-units_06/viewable_pdf/a77a1.pdf

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/oe/project_plans/HTM/stdplns-US-customary-units-new06.htm