Longitudinal Cable Barrier System...


The new longitudinal cable barrier system installed on I-240 by Memphis Fence Company Inc. is used to contain and redirect errant vehicles by preventing the vehicles from crossing the barrier or deflecting back into the traffic flow. Brifen WRSF is designed to absorb the energy of an impact, minimizing injury to passengers and damage to vehicles.

This is a new type of "guard-rail" type apparatus that is being tested for use by TDOT. 
During the past two inclement weather situations we have seen vehicles react with this system while it is still under construction and it has seemed to work wonderfully.

Brifen Wire Rope Safety Fence (WRSF) is a high-tension median or roadside cable (wire rope) barrier system widely used around the world and in many U.S. states. It is available in several designs, all approved by the Federal Highway Administration as fully complying with NCHRP 350 crash test requirements.

The 3/4" galvanized wire ropes, which are pre-stretched during manufacturing to reduce stretching during impact, are interwoven around special S-shaped steel posts and securely anchored to the ground at each end. Brifen WRSF is unique among cable barriers due to this patented weave in the wire ropes.

Each pre-stretched wire rope is highly tensioned, which, together with the above noted weave, creates high post/rope friction. This causes each post to act as a "mini-anchor," which helps limit the extent of damage during impacts, eliminates the need for intermediate anchors, and assures satisfactory performance even around tight curves. Another major benefit of the interwoven wire ropes is that deflections are more predictable, even when long sections (typical in real world installations) are impacted. Research has shown that with straight (non-woven) systems, deflections increase with system length.--Source... BRIFEN USA

This was a single vehicle accident on Interstate 240 in Memphis.  The driver was uninjured. -----------------> The vehicle struck the wire rope safety fence and successfully stopped before other vehicles became involved.