Vehicle Restraint Systems for Highways

REBLOC is a precast concrete vehicle restraint system designed to provide protection on high speed roads. There is a wide range of REBLOC products designed to suit all locations and applications ranging from normal to very high containment and low working widths. The individual elements form a high strength continuous chain that safely absorbs energy and impact forces. Technically advanced, all REBLOC safety barriers are tested to EN 1317 to ensure suitability and performance for road projects. With key safety features and benefits, as well as versatility, REBLOC is an outstanding choice for any highways related scheme. What Is REBLOC? Barriers with a minimum design life of 50 years are mandated for permanent use in England on central reserves of roads with high traffic volumes. The REBLOC concrete vehicle restraint systems (VRS) are precast products that allow for rapid deployment across the strategic road network. The off-site manufacture also eliminates wet trades on-site, reduces the risk to the workforce with shortened installation times and is immediately operational with no curing time required. Ranging from normal containment to very high containment, our full suite of both permanent and temporary concrete VRS are tested to EN 1317 and are CE marked. Our precast systems are the product of choice for main contractors as the requirement for off-site manufacture increases. See REBLOC in action on the M5 central reserve upgrade and M74 bridge pier protection. View Our REBLOC Brochure

The REBLOC temporary systems range covers a broad containment level spectrum enabling you to plan the works scheme in line with the specific requirements along its route. All products can be connected to other Vehicle Restraint Systems within our range, including Zoneguard. Temporary REBLOC is used on highways schemes and construction projects. See all our concrete barriers.

REBLOC LC RB80 XA H1 W1 is Hill & Smith Infrastructure’s Low Carbon variant of the existing RB80 XA line, cutting CO2 emissions by half compared to the standard products. This has been achieved through an ambitious value engineering programme in collaboration with our supply chain, starting with our precast H2 containment Rigid Concrete Barrier (RCB), RB 80XA. The new model RB80 XA H1 W1, an addition to our range, maintains the same profile as our existing products whilst requiring significantly less steel and concrete to produce. Combined with the use of a low carbon concrete mix, developed specifically for Hill & Smith Infrastructure, we’ve drastically cut the carbon emissions in manufacturing REBLOC H1 LC. Crash tested to meet EN 1317 standards, it is the new benchmark precast concrete barrier supporting lean construction programmes in the market. Contact Us Compare REBLOC LC with our standard REBLOC systems for normal containment, high containment and very high containment. To find out more about how we are reducing carbon, see our ESG commitments and our PAS 2080 certification.

Zoneguard is the lowest deflecting portable steel highway barrier in the world. Energy absorbing permanent and temporary steel barrier, Zoneguard barrier stabilises as vehicles drive onto the Zoneguard foot limiting barrier deflection. Successfully tested to BS EN 1317-2 H1 W3, N2 W2, N2 W5, N2 W6 standards, accepted by National Highways, tested to USA standard MASH and other international standards. Easily transported, Zoneguard weighs 93.5 kg per metre enabling up to 204 m to be efficiently transported on one vehicle for both scheduled and emergency works. Rapidly installed, Zoneguard can be easily positioned and connects using Zoneguard Speed Joints. Using the Asset Drilling Rig (ADR) gives Zero Hand Arm Vibration and allows up to 2,800 m to be drilled and fixed to a N2 W2 specification in an 8-hour shift. Integral drainage channels are incorporated into the foot section for ease of handling and manoeuvrability with a fork lift. Features Galvanised Steel Barriers – Zoneguard is a portable barrier system is comprised of pressed and galvanised steel panels assembled in 12 m or 4 m sections. Integrated Speed Joints – Rapidly installed Zoneguard can be easily positioned and connects using integrated Zoneguard Speed Joints. Drainage Channels – Integral drainage channels are incorporated into the foot section for ease of handling and manoeuvrability with a forklift.

Varioguard can be installed using the Asset Drilling Rig (ADR), providing ZERO Hand Arm Vibration. When used as a temporary safety barrier Varioguard is usually drilled and fixed at each end. With a huge rental pool of Varioguard located at depots around the UK and Ireland, small installations to many kilometres can be serviced. Emergency call-outs to any part of the UK are routinely responded to within hours. Hill & Smith Infrastructure’s concrete block anchor system allows Varioguard and Zoneguard barriers to be installed quickly and simply without the need for road surface preparation. Ideal for use on bridge decks and protected road surfaces. Our Safe Taper set-up removes the requirement of cones on the run up to a works scheme. Bespoke Varioguard Varioguard bespoke systems are an ideal solution. These bespoke systems can accommodate tight horizontal and vertical curves, manholes and access points to ducts can be bridged and accessed with site-specific designed and built units. Connections and Transitions Connections and transitions can be provided with Varioguard for continuous protection along different vehicle restraint systems such as Multibloc.

A vertical concrete barrier (TVCB) of 3 metres in length by 0.8 metres and weighing 2.5 tonnes, this product is used for workforce protection on roadways. Easy to install quickly on various surfaces, Multibloc is ideal for roads, construction sites, boundaries, vacant property and car parks. Multibloc is also available as a temporary TVCB solution, and has been used on schemes including the M6 J16-19 smart motorway and the M50 bridge repair.

The system uses free-standing Temporary Vertical Concrete Barriers (TVCBs) and is suitable for a range of highway and off-highway applications. Multibloc is tested to BS EN 1317-2 and ideal for use as roadway delineators for both large and small construction projects. The added option of using mounted fence systems allows for the prevention of unauthorised site access while also enhancing safety for workers and the general public alike from debris. They make ideal Vehicle Security Barriers (VSBs), Vehicle Containment Barriers (VCBs) and can be used for Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM).

Multibloc F is a surface mounted barrier with EN 1317 tested fence that consists of 21 Multibloc reinforced 3 metre long free standing interlocked barriers that give a total system length of 63 metres. Fitted to the top of the Multibloc barriers are 1.43 metre long debris fence mesh panels that are 1.8 metres high and connect to F post assemblies on top of the barriers. Combining a tested vehicle restraint system with a debris fence, Multibloc F protects the workforce and passing traffic from errant vehicles and from debris entering or leaving the work area, making it well suited to highways schemes and construction sites. As the system is surface mounted, no drilling or excavation is needed. For site security rather than debris protection, see MultiFence, our anti-climb fencing for Multibloc and Maxibloc. Download Our Brochure

Maxibloc is a higher vertical concrete barrier, measuring 3 metres in length by 1.4 metres high and weighing in at 4.5 tonnes. These units are similar to the Multibloc product but heavier and taller, providing effective parapet protection to H4a/W5 very high containment when surface mounted and H4a/W2 when recessed. Being EN 1317 tested, the product is ideal for heavy traffic roadways, including protection from heavy goods vehicles, protecting vulnerable structures, and securing vacant property. Maxibloc also includes an option for MultiFence and GRP cladding. Each unit can also be locked together to form a larger barrier and is quick and easy to deploy at site. Maxibloc is also available for temporary use, as on the M50 bridge repair scheme. EN 1317 Tested Parapet protection to H4a/W5 containment High level of protection View Our Product Brochure    

The Maxibloc THVCB is tested and approved to BS EN 1317-2, providing H4a W5 containment when surface mounted and H4a W2 when recessed. Maxibloc’s principal design feature is to deflect HGVs from bridge supports and other vulnerable structures, providing very effective temporary protection during works. Maxibloc is also ideal for use as roadway delineators for construction sites or depot areas, especially in locations with high volumes of heavy goods vehicles and haulage traffic.

The ERMES End Treatment provides a versatile means of protection to the ends of VRS and can be used as either a free-standing crash cushion or as a terminal when connected directly to the VRS. It is approved to both EN 1317-3 and EN 1317-4 and is ideal for shielding narrow obstacles. The T2/80 system is rated for 80 km/h impact speeds.  The T4/110 system is rated for 110 km/h impact speeds. Explore the rest of our temporary barrier range, including Zoneguard and the Quest CEN 110 end terminal, or see how we support highways schemes.

Sologuard is a safety barrier for carriageway crossover points and can be fitted into existing safety barriers using transition units, allowing opening and closing by two operators in just a few minutes. Sologuard is instantly moveable, allowing the flow of traffic to be altered quickly and safely by simply removing the securing pins and winding down the sets of hidden wheels. Many emergency crossing points on motorways and trunk roads have Sologuard installed. Maintenance crossing points at tunnels and bridges around the UK are also protected with this system.

SteelStep System is a rapid opening and closing bi-directional gate and barrier. The system, with its extremely low deflection and high containment capability, is the ideal system for emergency access points between central reservation concrete step barrier systems. The system enables easy opening in different configurations. By removing locking pins at either end of the barrier, the SteelStep System can either pivot from each end or be relocated laterally, thus exposing the full opening. Maintenance training in use of the system is provided by Hill & Smith Infrastructure’s in-house training facility. SteelStep System can also be used on bridge decks, where conventional slip form concrete cannot be used due to its weight. Anchored every 5.4 m, the system’s performance is equivalent to concrete and is cost-effective. Hill & Smith Infrastructure can undertake installation of this product, or alternatively can train our customers in safe installation under National Highway Sector Schemes 10B.   SteelStep is used on highways and motorway schemes, including work for National Highways. Find out more about our permanent highway VRS.

The QuadGuard™ CEN crash cushion system is designed to protect motorists in vehicles up to 1,500 kg, from roadside hazards as narrow as 610 mm and as wide as 2,285 mm. Download Brochure   Features and Benefits Re-directive, bi-directional crash cushion All systems fully compliant with EN 1317-3 Systems available in 5 widths (from 61cm to 2.3m) Systems available for 4 speed levels (110km/h, 100km/h, 80km/h and 50km/h) Quick and easy, on-site refurbishment Replaceable energy-absorbing cartridges QuadBeam panels and diaphragms provide smooth redirection during side impacts Up to 95% reusability after impact Variety of transitions available Also available on a steel plate for temporary protection at roadworks

With increased focus on worker safety across the UK road network, Hill & Smith Infrastructure, in partnership with Balfour Beatty – Vinci JV, have developed the Works Safety Gate (WSG) to greatly reduce the danger faced by road workers when adjacent to works access points. Developed with both the approved Varioguard and Zoneguard temporary vehicle restraint systems, the WSG further raises the bar when considering the safety of road workers and the travelling public at the necessary works access points required within major road work schemes. A typical 48 m length WSG installed at a works access point, can be opened manually by removing the securing pins at 8 m centres and separating the WSG into manually manageable lengths, providing access to works vehicles and subsequently closing using the same methodology maintaining a secure and safe environment at all times during the works. Features No connections or transitions required – The design of the WSG is such that it can be deployed against any vehicle restraint system with no connections or transitions required. High visibility – The highly visible red and white powder coated sections of the WSG clearly define the access points within the works presenting clear delineation for works vehicle drivers. Quick joints – The WSG is unique in the fact that existing road worker professionals can be trained by Hill & Smith Infrastructure instructors to operate the system safely and when necessary, which means that access to the work site can be arranged at short notice in a controlled and extremely safe manner. The WSG is part of the unrivalled suite of products on offer from Hill & Smith Infrastructure and, working independently of the installed VRS, are available in a multitude of lengths from 48 m to 168 m for any planned or existing works throughout the National Highways network.

An attenuator system that is suitable for use with Zoneguard, Varioguard and REBLOC. The full ‘family’ of tests, as detailed in BS EN 1317-3, has been successfully completed and approved to performance class 110 km/h. Download brochure Vecu-Stop consists of hollow cylinders arranged in rows. They are highly effective energy and impact absorbing elements which are guided by a steel wire rope system. Once installed, the system elements of Vecu-Stop do not require any maintenance. Full corrosion protection is provided by a hot dipped galvanized finish. All components are made of steel and may be completely recycled. The usual method of anchorage is to install a pre-fabricated steel former, then fill it with concrete. Threaded anchorages welded to the reinforcing bars enable Vecu-Stop to be bolted straight into place on the reinforced concrete foundation. Looking for an alternative terminal? See the Quest CEN 110, or read more about our work on highways schemes.