ESBD_473481_1764886884456_02. Specification 550-42-09.pdf

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TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

SPECIFICATION NO.

TxDOT 550-42-09*

REVISED: NOVEMBER 2025

ATTENUATOR, CRASH, TRUCK MOUNTED and TRAILER, LEVEL III, FOLDING CARTRIDGE TYPE

PUBLICATION

This specification is a product of the Customer, The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). CPA or Customer does not assume nor accept any liability when this specification is used in the procurement process by any other entity.

PART I

GENERAL CLAUSES AND CONDITIONS

1. The equipment furnished under this specification shall be the latest improved model in current production, as offered to commercial trade, and shall be of quality workmanship and material.

The respondent represents that all equipment offered under this specification shall be new.

USED, SHOPWORN, DEMONSTRATOR, PROTOTYPE, REMANUFACTURED, RECONDITIONED, OR

DISCONTINUED MODELS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.

2. All parts not specifically mentioned which are necessary for the unit to be complete and ready for operation or which are normally furnished as standard equipment shall be furnished by the vendor. All parts shall conform in strength, quality, and workmanship to the accepted standards of the industry.

3. The unit provided shall meet or exceed all DOT Federal and State of Texas safety, health, lighting and noise regulations and standards in effect and applicable to equipment furnished at the time of manufacture.

4. The unit provided shall meet or exceed all federal and State of Texas safety, health, lighting and noise regulations and standards in effect and applicable to equipment furnished at the time of manufacture.

5. It is the intent of CPA or Customer to purchase goods, equipment, and services having the least adverse environmental impact, within the constraints of statutory purchasing requirements, CPA or Customer need, availability, and sound economical considerations. Suggested changes and environmental enhancements for possible inclusion in future revisions of this specification are encouraged.

6. CPA or Customer encourages all manufacturers to comply voluntarily with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Recommended Practice for marking of plastic parts per current SAE J1344 standard. All plastic components furnished to this specification should have an imprinted SAE symbol identifying the resin composition of the component so that the item can be recycled after its useful life. Manufacturers are encouraged to use recycled plastics and materials in the manufacture of their products in order to conserve natural resources, energy and landfill space. Respondents should note that future specification revisions may require mandatory compliance with the SAE plastic coding system.

* This Specification Supersedes Specification No. TxDOT 550-42-09, Revised November 2023.

TxDOT 550-42-09

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PART II

SPECIFICATIONS

1. SCOPE: This specification describes a crash attenuator, folding cartridge type, for truck mounting or trailer, used for protecting personnel, equipment and the general public from injury and damage caused when errant vehicles crash into equipment used in highway operations. A unit furnished to this specification shall meet or exceed the following requirements.

2. CONFORMITY: Only units that meet this specification and are included on the Texas Department of Transportation - Compliant Work Zone Traffic Control Devices, Section L, Truck- Mounted Protective Devices (latest issue) shall be considered for purchase. These units are certified as having passed the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report 350 crash test, Level 3 or MASH approved. As of the issue of this specification the following TMA’s and TA’s are approved for use on TxDOT facilities and are NCHP 350 or MASH Compliant to Level III:

Refer to website:

http://www.txdot.gov/business/contractors/contractors/construction-tips.html

3. TRUCK MOUNTED ATTENUATORS:

3.1. Dimensions

3.1.1. Length Stored: Min. 2 ft., Max. 8 ft.

3.1.2. Length Deployed: Min. 8 ft., Max. 16 ft.

3.1.3. Width: Min. 6 ft., Max. 9 ft.

3.1.4. Height Stored: Min. 8 ft., Max. 12.5 ft.

3.1.5. Height Deployed: Min. 3 ft, Max. 5 ft.

3.2. Speed Limit: Max 30 mph deployed.

3.3. Material: Aluminum tubing, plastic cartridges, and steel brackets and fasteners.

3.4. Weight Max 2,600 lbs.

3.5. MOUNTING HARDWARE AND FASTNERS: Mounting hardware and fasteners shall be constructed of steel or aluminum and be designed for a minimum mounting a minimum single rear axle, standard production 24,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) truck. Hardware utilized shall not have dissimilar metal compatibility.

3.6. CHASSIS REQUIREMENTS: Vendor shall disclose with their response, or within 10 days of request, all special parameter and vehicle configuration requirements necessary for the TMA to mount on all types of trucks with platform, dump, and other body styles.

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3.7. FOLDING STYLE TRUCK MOUNTED ATTENUATORS:

3.7.1. SELF-CONTAINED HYDRAULIC OR ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TILT: The unit shall be equipped with a self-contained tilt feature powered by a replaceable fuse-protected link to the 12 volt vehicle electrical system that will allow the rear of the device to be lifted 90 degrees from horizontal to vertical (or 180 degrees if so applicable to the make and model). The manual or hydraulic locking system shall be designed to allow routine locking of the unit in a maximum of 3 minutes.

3.7.2. LIFT CONTROLS: Lift controls shall have a minimum cable length of 24 feet, to allow operation from the cab. The controls for activating lift operations shall be capable of being located in the truck cab, convenient to driver, and at the right rear corner of the truck, to allow the operator to raise the unit to its full 90 degree tilt position (or 180 degrees is so applicable for the make and model) and manually or hydraulically lock the unit in position with a minimum of one locking pin or other mechanical locking device.

3.8. QUICK ATTACH AND DETACH MOUNTING: Vendor shall provide an attenuator assembly, including mounting brackets and hydraulics, which may be routinely removed from the supporting truck’s mounting plate, within 15 minutes. Any remaining mounting hardware and components shall be completely under the truck body or frame so that when the unit is removed from a dump truck, the full dump capabilities are unaffected.

Vendor shall describe with the response, or within 10 days from request, how the unit meets requirements.

3.9. LEVELING STANDS: The front of the unit shall be equipped with at least two adjustable metal caster-wheeled leveling stands to assist in mounting of the unit. At least two casters wheeled, retractable, leveling stands shall be located at the rear of the unit for portability purposes when unit is not mounted.

4. TRAILER MOUNTED ATTENUATORS:

4.1. Dimensions

4.1.1. Length: Min. 12 ft., Max. 21.5 ft.

4.1.2. Width: Min. 6 ft., Max. 7.5 ft.

4.1.3. Height: Min. 3 ft., Max. 5 ft.

4.2. Speed Limit: Max. 65 mph.

4.3. Material; aluminum tubing/frame, plastic cartridges, steel brackets and fasteners.

4.4. Weight; Max 2,600 lbs.

4.5. Hitch: Pintle style rated for 20 tons.

4.6. JACK STAND: Trailer type unit shall have a drop leg type jack stand with foot, mounted in center forward position of trailer. The jack lift and static capacity shall meet or exceed the capacity of the trailer TMA.

Reference Model: BULLDOG P/N# 190754 or CPA or Customer approved equal.

5. ALL ATTENUATORS

5.1. LIGHTING

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5.1.1. The rear of the crash attenuator shall be equipped with a red tail lamp, red stop lamp, turn indicator lamp and a red reflector on each side. These lamps and reflectors may be incorporated into a single unit on each side. All sealed lamps shall illuminate via the use of Light Emitting Diodes (LED) light source.

A wiring harness shall be provided for connection of the crash attenuator lighting system to that of the vehicle on which the unit is mounted. All wires shall be protected by a replaceable fuse and be color coded or otherwise identified and shall extend the full length of the mounting hardware with enough additional length to enable CPA or Customer personnel to install a plug compatible with the receptacle on the supporting vehicle. The lighting arrangement on the crash attenuator shall be in accordance with Texas Motor Vehicle Laws.

5.1.2. In addition to the lighting arrangement referenced in Part II, Para. 5.1.1, the rear of the crash attenuator (in the down position) shall be equipped with the following LED assemblies mounted one on each side as close to the outer and upper edges as possible. Wiring for the LEDs shall be incorporated in the wiring harness referenced in Part II, Para. 5.1.1. A separate wiring harness shall be incorporated into a single unit and with lights referenced in Part II, Para. in

5.1.2.1 and 5.1.2.2. A separate wiring harness shall be provided for the light referenced in in Part II, Para. 5.1.2.3.

5.1.2.1. Quantity of four auxiliary LED lights with programmable flash patterns and can synchronize with other lights. Color shall be amber to include mounting hardware. LED light must meet current SAE J759 201404.

Referenced Brand: Starburst DLX3A LED or CPA or Customer approved equal.

5.1.2.2. Quantity of one 6 inch oval LED flashing amber light to include rubber grommet and “L” style bracket. LED light must meet current

SAE J759 201404.

Referenced Brand: Starburst DLXTHU-4-A or CPA or Customer approved equal.

“L” bracket Example: Prima Tronics PT6000BK or CPA or Customer approved equal.

Grommet Example: Prima Tronics PT6000G or CPA or Customer approved equal.

5.1.2.3. Quantity of one 6 inch oval LED flashing blue light to include rubber grommet and “L” style bracket. LED light must meet current SAE J759 201404.

Referenced Brand: Starburst DLXTHU-4-B or CPA or Customer approved equal.

“L” bracket Example: Prima Tronics PT6000BK or CPA or Customer approved equal.

Grommet Example: Prima Tronics PT6000G or CPA or Customer approved equal.

5.1.2.4. Reference Illustration A, B, and C for placement of lights referenced in Part II, Para. 5.1.2.

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ILLUSTRATION A

ILLUSTRATION B

5.2. SAFETY PLAQUES OR DECALS:

5.2.1. Product safety plaques or decals shall be furnished and affixed at the operator's station and at any hazardous area. The safety plaques or decals shall describe the nature of the hazard, level of hazard seriousness, how to avoid the hazard, and the consequence of human interaction with the hazard.

Permanent plaques are preferred to decals. Type, size and location of product safety plaques or decals shall be in accordance with current ANSI Z535.4 standard. Safety plaques and decals shall not fade or wear out.

5.2.2. A permanent lubrication plaque shall be furnished and visible from the outside of the unit. The plaque shall note all lubrication points and recommended periodic oil changes and lubrication intervals.

5.2.3. Each side of TMA shall be labeled as to level and vehicle impact speed.

5.3. PAINTING:

The unit shall be painted an approved manufacturer's standard color except for glass, rubber and those metallic accessories or fixtures constructed of rust-resistant or plated material not normally painted. Lead paint is not acceptable.

5.4. CHEVRONS

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5.4.1. The entire rear portion of the attenuator when in the horizontal operating position shall be equipped with alternating Type E, Super High Specific Intensity – Fluorescent yellow-green and orange, inverted V-shaped chevron stripes. Each stripe shall be 8 inches wide, to provide maximum visibility for the traveling public. Reference Illustration A and B for TrafFix Devices and Illustration C for Energy Absorption Systems

5.4.2. In addition to the stripes required in Paragraph 5.4.1 above, the rear portion of the attenuator when in the vertical stowed position, shall also be equipped with Type E, Super High Specific Intensity Grade reflectorized florescent yellow-green and florescent orange, inverted V-shaped chevron stripes. The size of the striped area of the TMA in this position shall be as a minimum, the same size as the striped area while in the operating position. This striped area shall be located at the lower portion of the TMA. Reference illustration B.

APPROVED PRODUCTS:

Florescent Diamond Grade Series Yellow-Green: 3M Company 4083

Florescent Diamond Grade Series Orange: 3M Company 4084

5.4.3. Sides of TMA shall be marked with reflective sheeting, 18 inch long sections, consisting of approximately 11 inch yellow-green and 7 inch orange, spaced evenly so as to cover 50% of the entire length, beginning and terminating as close to the front and rear as possible. Reflective sheeting shall conform to DOT-C2 standards in minimum 2 inch widths. If necessary to clear rivet heads or other similar obstructions, grade DOT-C2 retro-reflective sheeting may be separated into two each one inch wide strips of the same length and color, separated by a space of not more than 1 inch.

APPROVED PRODUCTS: 3M Company.

6. ARROW BOARD:

6.1. Type C flashing arrow board sign panel, powered via truck, electrically lighted minimum

15 lamps, trailer mounted meeting the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD) requirements. The unit will be used to alert drivers of the presence of work zones or of a hazard ahead and for channeling vehicles into clear lanes. The unit shall consist of an electrically lighted flashing arrow sign panel. All components shall be mounted on a trailer suitable for safe towing at highway speeds up to 35 MPH in the upright position or 70 MPH in the stowed position. Units exhibiting fishtailing or other anomalies when in tow will be rejected. Units furnished to this specification shall meet or exceed the following requirements. DOCUMENT REFERENCES

6.2. TEXAS MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (TMUTCD): Sign shall meet requirements of Sections 6F.61 (Arrow Panels) and any other applicable Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Latest Revision, https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/division/traffic/signs/tmutcd.html

6.3. PHOTOMETRIC TEST OF PORTABLE CHANGEABLE MESSAGE BOARDS AND ARROW

BOARDS: Sign shall meet the requirements of TxDOT Test Procedure: TEX-880-B, ftp://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/cst/TMS/800-B_series/pdfs/ctm880.pdf

6.4. PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ARROW PANELS; TEXAS TRANSPORTATION

INSTITUTE: Sign shall meet the requirements of Photometric Requirements for Arrow Panels, Report No. TX-02/4940-1, 7 - 9 https://static.tti.tamu.edu/tti.tamu.edu/documents/4940-1.pdf

6.5. DESIGN: The unit shall be designed so that the attached truck batteries operate the sign panel and the panel be operated from the inside of the tow vehicle.

6.6. SIGN PANEL: The sign panel shall be constructed of aluminum alloy panels with reinforced edges, aluminum inner ribbing, and rubber grommets to prevent punching of panel face or back of arrow board. Sign panel shall be completely weather resistant, permanently painted or coated with a flat black finish, rectangular in shape, minimum 96 inches wide and 48 inches high. The sign panel shall be equipped with the following as a minimum:

6.7. Minimum Fifteen (15) light emitting diode (LED) assemblies; hereafter referred to as lamps, in the panel of the most recent technology shall form the shaft and arrowhead and if specified on the solicitation, minimum 15 LED assemblies; hereafter referred to as lamps, in the panel of the most recent technology shall form sequential chevrons.

6.7.1. Lamps shall be yellow in color. The yellow shall fit in the Commission International Illumination (CIE) color box to be perceived as yellow.

6.7.2. Lamp size shall be either Par 36 or Par 46.

6.7.3. Lamps shall be screw type or push-on type. If push-on type lamps are furnished, there shall be a means to secure the lamps and wiring leads to the sign to prevent separation due to vibration during travel or operation.

6.7.4. Lamps shall be equipped with a minimum 180-degree upper hood or visor.

Hood or visor shall extend a minimum of 4 inches past the front of the lamps on units designed without recessed lamps. On units designed with recessed lamps, the lamps shall be recessed a minimum of 4 inches. Lamps shall be field replaceable and arranged in the configurations as detailed in Figure 6F- 6 TMUTCD, Part V6, page 6F-26..

6.7.5. Mode indicator lamps on the reverse side of the panel to indicate that the sign is operating and which arrow is being displayed.

6.7.6. Lamp intensity shall be such that on a clear night or sunny day, a driver shall be able to visibly recognize a legible flashing arrow from a minimum distance of 1 mile. Minimum dimming shall be 50 percent of full-rated lamp voltage.

Lamps shall flash at a rate not less than 25 or more than 40 flashes per minute, with a minimum lamp "on time" of 50 percent of the cycle for the flashing mode and equal intervals of 25 percent for each sequential phase.

Arrow board displays shall include:

6.8. Left arrow (five lamps in arrowhead).

6.9. Right arrow (five lamps in arrowhead).

6.10. Double arrow.

6.11. Four corner signal.

7. MANUAL(S): Original manual(s) in electronic format shall be delivered with the unit. Manuals shall include:

7.1. An illustrated parts list(s) coving all components of the unit identifying parts by part number, description, and component location.

7.2. Hydraulic schematics.

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7.3. Electrical schematics.

7.4. All necessary operating instructions and maintenance procedures for the unit and engine(s)

7.5. The following additional information shall be provided by the vendor at time of delivery if not included in the manual required above.

7.5.1. Manufacturer’s recommended service and preventive maintenance intervals.

7.5.2. Recommended fluids, lubricants and their SAE or API equivalents.

8. OVERHAUL AND TECHNICAL MANUALS: In addition to the manuals required in Part II. Para. 7, one complete electronic set of specialized major overhaul and technical manuals shall be provided at time of delivery.

9. INSTRUCTION ON SAFETY, OPERATION AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE: The vendor shall provide the services of a competent factory trained technician thoroughly trained in the use and operation of the unit to CPA or Customer a minimum four hours’ instruction on safety, operation, and preventive maintenance of the unit. Additional four hours of operator training shall be provided to CPA or Customer upon request during the warranty period. The service shall be provided after the unit has been delivered and is ready for operation but prior to payment.

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PART III

WARRANTY

1. WARRANTY: The unit shall be warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of not less than 12 months and shall cover 100% parts and labor for the unit. If the manufacturer's standard warranty period exceeds 12 months, then the standard warranty period shall be in effect. The vendor shall furnish the manufacturer's warranty to the receiving district at time of delivery. The vendor shall be ultimately responsible for the warranty. The warranty begins on the date the unit is determined to meet specifications and accepted into CPA or Customer’s fleet.

2. PARTS AND SERVICE: The manufacturer of the equipment furnished shall have an authorized dealer within the state of Texas or factory-trained personnel available for warranty repairs and the performance of service within 72 hours after notification by CPA or the Customer. The authorized dealer shall have factory-trained personnel available for warranty repairs and the performance of service. The dealer shall also maintain an inventory of high-usage parts and a quick source for low-usage parts.