Funding & Cost Benefits
Covered up to 100% by Federal Funds
With life cycle costs of less than $20,000/yr the MBT-1® can pay for itself with nominal usage, and in less than 2 years with 15-20 lane closures per year.
The MBT-1® has been called the "perfect tool" for various types of road, bridge, and tunnel work. Mobile Barriers MBT-1® provides 42-102’ (12-31 m) of highly mobile positive barrier protection with minimal deflection. The MBT-1® essentially functions as an integrated barrier, utility vehicle, and flatbed trailer all in one and can be ordered with integral power, lights, signage, crane, TMA and other features. It has lockable and on-deck storage at both ends.
For crews, the barrier protects against work zone incursions (front, back and side), reduces the number of vehicles and equipment otherwise needed on site (reducing clutter and congestion in the work zone), and improves lighting and ambient conditions (reducing fatigue and improving the general ability to focus on the work at hand). Each of these areas has been shown in applicable research to be significant contributors to fatalities and injuries within work zones.
For passing traffic, the barrier can help improve safety while reducing the number and duration of lane closures. There's no better way to reduce work zone accidents and improve conditions for everyone than to safely complete the work as quickly as possible and reopen the roadway to normal traffic flow.
Considering savings in traffic control equipment & manpower costs alone, the barrier can pay for itself with nominal usage in less than 2 years, at only 15-20 uses per year. The barrier has a life cycle costs of less than $20,000/year. With a 20 year life, there is a high probability of saving someone’s life and preventing injury and incidents. Some barriers have been hit multiple times, even by semi-trucks, and have been credited with saving multiple lives and turning potentially serious incidents into non-events. Errant vehicles are often redirected and drive away.
Considering overall benefits to workers and the public, California research found a cost benefit of $1.9 Million per year, per barrier. Considering workzone fatalities, the USDOT has issued guidance valuing a single life at over $9.6 million.
The Mobile Barriers MBT-1® is covered up to 100% by HSIP and other federal funds such as NHPP, STBGP, and FEMA.
For cost benefit analysis and additional materials to help justifying purchases, please see the resources below or contact us for assistance.
LHSFNA - Infrastructure Bill Increases Opportunities for Work Zone Safety Funding
"FWHA guidelines now provide a federal share payable up to 100 percent for projects that use “innovative project delivery” methods to improve work zone safety for motorists or workers. The BIL amended the definition of innovative project delivery to include “provisions that provide safety contingency funds to incorporate safety enhancements to work zones prior to or during roadway construction activities...Safety Contingency Funding can address this issue by providing additional dollars for a range of interventions, including: Traffic control items such as mobile barriers..."
Federal Funding Options to Purchase Mobile Barriers
Comparing NHPP, STBGP, and HSIP funding options.
New FHWA Funding Options
Venable LLP Memo – HSIP and other Fed Funds Available for Mobile Barriers MBT-1®.
"States can now directly purchase safety equipment, such as the Mobile Barriers MBT-1® using HSIP, NHPP or STBGP funds...HSIP funds are particularly attractive for use with the MBT-1. The HSIP program provides a 90% federal match and allows ongoing use for both construction and maintenance work, on both federal and state roads... FHWA has provided States with a great deal of new flexibility for equipment costs that benefit the Federal-aid highway program, including flexibility for the direct purchase of the MBT-1."
New FHWA Funding Options
FHWA Memo - HSIP, NHPP & STBGP Funds Now Available for Mobile Barriers MBT-1®.
“After the initial purchase of the equipment using HSIP funds, the State may use the equipment for its intended safety purpose on any public road (including local roads) for any project (e.g. Federal-aid or non-Federal-aid, capital improvement or maintenance, etc.)”
New FEMA Funds Available
FEMA Funds for Preparedness and Response Can Now Be Used to Purchase Mobile Barriers MBT-1®. Contact us for assistance.
Cost Benefit Analysis
Cost Benefit Analysis w/ FEMA-DHS Justification Regarding Mobile Barriers MBT-1®. Supporting document for FEMA, DHS, UASI funds application.
Federal Law on Positive Protection
Federal Regulations & ANSI A10.47 National Standards on Use of Positive Protection.
Work Zone Data: Crashes, Injuries, and Fatalities
In a 2019 survey, 67% of highway contractors reported crashes into their work zones and 89% think positive protection would improve safety on their projects.