EUPAVE highlights use of CSBs for better roads

The European Concrete Paving Association (EUPAVE) has launched a new leaflet titled Safe, Robust and Sustainable Road Restraint Systems – The Case for Concrete Safety Barriers (CSBs).

Prepared by EUPAVE's Concrete Safety Barriers Working Group, the leaflet outlines the advantages of using concrete safety barriers in road construction. These barriers provide enhanced safety, sustainability, and cost-efficiency, making them an ideal choice for modern road networks, including in the UK.

The leaflet emphasises the safety benefits of CSBs, which are designed to prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway or crossing into oncoming traffic. Compared to steel guardrails, CSBs are more robust and offer a higher level of containment. Their performance is consistent, even in extreme conditions like wet or frozen ground, as their effectiveness is not dependent on subgrade conditions. This makes them particularly reliable for both central reservations and road verges. Additionally, the leaflet highlights that CSBs generally sustain little to no damage in collisions, reducing the need for immediate repairs and minimising the risk of additional accidents.

In terms of sustainability, CSBs align with key environmental goals, such as those outlined in the European Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan. The long service life of concrete safety barriers—up to 50 years—means they require less frequent replacement compared to steel systems, reducing resource consumption.

The concrete used in CSBs can also incorporate recycled materials and low-carbon cement types, helping to lower their overall carbon footprint. At the end of their life, the barriers are 100% recyclable, with the crushed concrete reusable in new infrastructure projects.

As the leaflet states, some CSBs available today have up to 50% lower carbon emissions compared to traditional barriers, making them an environmentally friendly option for road safety.

Cost-efficiency is another key advantage, especially when considering the long-term financial impact. CSBs are designed to be highly durable and need very little maintenance, even after significant impacts.

This leads to fewer road closures for repairs, reducing traffic disruption and associated costs. Additionally, fewer repairs translate into lower maintenance expenses for road authorities over the barriers' lifespan.

According to EUPAVE, the minimal repair requirements and longevity of CSBs result in a significantly lower total life-cycle cost compared to steel alternatives.

While the leaflet does not specifically address the UK's road network, these benefits make CSBs an attractive option for the country. For UK contractors and local authorities, switching to concrete safety barriers could enhance road safety, meet environmental targets, and provide long-term financial savings.

Implementing CSBs on UK roads could help support the country's goal of building safer and more sustainable infrastructure for the future.

You can download the leaflet from the EUPAVE website.