NCHRP 350
NCHRP 350 Sunset
On November 12, 2015, FHWA issued a memorandum indicating that all modifications to NCHRP 350-tested devices will require testing under MASH in order to receive a Federal-aid eligibility letter from FHWA. In addition, a Federal Register Notice was also issued regarding this action. This has provided a significant step toward the implementation of MASH.
Replacing NCHRP 350 with MASH will be phased in over the course of several years. FHWA has provided numerous sunset dates for NCHRP 350 testing.
NCHRP 350 Sunset Dates
- December 31, 2017
- W-Beam Barriers and cast-in-place Concrete Barriers.
- June 30, 2018
- W-Beam Terminals
- December 31, 2018
- Cable Barriers, Cable Barrier Terminals, and Crash Cushions
- December 31, 2019
- Bridge Rails, Transitions, all other Longitudinal Barriers (including Portable Barriers installed permanently), all other Terminals, Sign Supports, and all other breakaway hardware
Temporary work zone devices, including portable barriers, manufactured after December 31, 2019, must have been successfully tested to the 2016 edition of MASH. Such devices manufactured on or before this date, and successfully tested to NCHRP 350 or to the 2009 edition of MASH, may continue to be used throughout their normal sevice lives.
After December 31, 2019, FHWA will no longer issue eligilibity letters for highway safety hardware that has not been successfully crash tested to the 2016 edition of MASH. Any modifications of eligible highway safety hardware must utilize the criteria listed in the 2016 edition of MASH for re-evaluation and/or testing.