Section 510.10  Hazard

The hazard to highway users resulting from objects being dropped or thrown from overhead crossings has increased significantly; hence, procedures are necessary to further protect the highway users from "bombing" from overpasses on urban highways.

Section 510.20  Responsibility of the District Engineer

It will be the responsibility of the District Engineer to evaluate the hazard that might result to the highway users from objects being thrown or dropped from overhead crossings.  This evaluation should include (for existing overhead crossings) all reported instances available from police or other qualified local agency records.  If, in the judgement of the District Engineer, sufficient justification exists for furnishing protective fencing on existing or proposed construction, he will advise the local agency of his recommendation and if it concurs with the cost apportionment cited herein, he will submit his recommendation along with supporting documentation to the Bureau of Bridges and Structures for incorporation into construction plans.

Section 510.30  Sufficient Justification

It should be considered sufficient justification for protective fencing on existing bridges if police or other qualified local agency sources provide a record of incidents.  For new structures, the District Engineer must depend on previous experience for similar existing locations wherein he anticipates it will serve comparable volumes and types of pedestrian traffic.

Section 510.40  Maintenance of Protective Fencing

In all cases, the maintenance of protective fencing as installed will be included as part of the standard maintenance agreement now obtained with local agencies.  For existing structures, the maintenance for protective fencing if installed will be added to the existing maintenance agreement in force with the local agency.

Section 510.50  Cost Apportionment

For existing overcrossings, cost apportionment for protective fencing will be 50 percent Federal, 25 percent State and 25 percent local agency.  For proposed construction of Interstate highways, cost apportionment will be 90 percent Federal, 5 percent State and 5 percent local agency.  For new construction on other State highways, participation ratios will be the same as indicated for existing overcrossings.  The length of the railing plus the length of end abutment rail posts, if applicable, shall be the project limit for division of cost. Any additional fencing shall be the financial responsibility of others for design, construction and maintenance.

Section 510.60  Pedestrian Bridges

Pedestrian bridges shall provide protective fencing as a part of the initial construction with cost apportionment the same as the pedestrian crossing itself.

Section 510.70  Effective Date

This policy is effective immediately.