Guardrails
Discover certified guardrail systems for highways, bridges, roadsides, and infrastructure projects. Explore our guardrail brands, product solutions, and safety applications.
Our leading guardrail brands
Our leading guardrail brands
What Are Guardrails?
Guardrails are roadside safety barriers designed to contain and redirect errant vehicles during a collision. They help reduce the severity of run-off-road accidents by preventing vehicles from leaving the roadway or striking hazardous obstacles.
Guardrail systems are commonly installed along highways, bridge approaches, medians, embankments, curves, and other critical roadside areas where vehicle restraint is required. As part of a broader vehicle restraint system, guardrails contribute to safer road infrastructure for drivers, passengers, and roadside assets.
Applications
Guardrails are used in a wide range of road and infrastructure environments, including:
Why guardrails matter
Materials used in guardrails
With more than 100 years of experience in steel processing, Saferoad brings extensive expertise in steel construction and infrastructure to the development of modern roadside safety systems. This foundation in steel is key to creating durable and reliable guardrail solutions for demanding transport environments.
Most guardrail systems are manufactured from galvanized steel, a material valued for its strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. Depending on the application, systems may include different beam profiles, posts, spacers, fasteners, and transition elements. The galvanized finish supports long-term performance across highways, bridges, medians, and other roadside safety applications.
Standards and testing for guardrail systems
EN 1317
In many European markets, guardrail systems are assessed in line with EN 1317. The standard defines test methods and performance classes for vehicle restraint systems used in road and infrastructure projects.
RAL
RAL RG 620 provides an additional quality and testing framework for steel guardrail systems. It defines specific requirements for manufacturers and installation companies working with steel roadside safety barriers and supports consistent quality standards in the steel guardrail sector.
Saferoad is a member of Gütegemeinschaft Stahlschutzplanken e. V., an association of more than 70 companies in the steel guardrail industry. Its members are required to comply with the quality and testing provisions defined in RAL RG 620.
Containment Level
Containment level describes the ability of a guardrail to restrain and redirect vehicles under defined impact conditions. The required level depends on the traffic environment and the risk profile of the site.
Working Width
Working width indicates the lateral space a barrier system may require during impact. This is particularly important in constrained roadside environments such as bridges, medians, and narrow road sections.
Dynamic Deflection
Dynamic deflection refers to how far a guardrail system may move when struck by a vehicle. It is an important consideration when selecting a system for locations with limited installation space.
Project-Specific Requirements
In addition to standard test classes, project conditions such as road geometry, roadside hazards, installation constraints, and local authority specifications also influence system selection.
Why Saferoad?
With more than 100 years of experience in steel processing and infrastructure, Saferoad develops durable guardrail systems for demanding roadside safety applications. Our portfolio supports highways, bridges, medians, and rural roads with solutions designed for long-term performance and project-specific requirements.
Looking for the right guardrail system?
Guardrail FAQ
When is a guardrail needed?
In many European markets, guardrail systems are assessed in line with EN 1317. The standard defines test methods and performance classes for vehicle restraint systems used in road and infrastructure projects.
What factors influence guardrail selection?
Guardrail selection depends on several technical and project-specific factors, including road type, design speed, traffic volume, roadside hazard type, available installation space, and required performance level. Engineers also consider working width, dynamic deflection, and applicable national or project requirements.
What is the difference between single-sided and double-sided guardrails?
Single-sided guardrails are designed to be impacted from one direction and are typically installed along road edges. Double-sided guardrails can be struck from both sides and are commonly used in medians or other locations where opposing traffic is present.
What is the difference between W-beam and thrie-beam guardrails?
W-beam guardrails are among the most commonly used steel roadside barriers and are widely applied on highways and rural roads. Thrie-beam guardrails have a deeper beam profile and may be used where different structural performance, increased height, or specific project conditions are required.
Can guardrails be used on bridges?
Yes. Guardrails are often used on bridges and bridge approaches where vehicle restraint is needed. In bridge applications, the selected system must suit the structure, the available space, and the required performance criteria. Transitions to adjacent barrier systems may also be important.
Are all guardrail systems the same?
No. Guardrail systems differ in design, performance class, deflection behaviour, installation method, and intended application. The right system depends on the road environment, roadside hazard, required containment level, and other project-specific conditions.