Authorities Convinced Highway Cable Barriers Work

5-Year Plan Includes 210 Miles of Installation

By The Associated Press

CREATED Apr. 12, 2012

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Cedar Rapids, IA (AP) - Police and emergency responders say highway cable barriers being installed along Iowa's interstate highways are making a big difference in the severity of some accidents. 

The steel cables stretched between opposing lanes are designed to keep vehicles from crossing the median into oncoming traffic. The Iowa DOT began installing them just over two years ago. 

A five-year plan includes installation of cable barriers along 210 miles of Interstates 80 and 380 by 2015 in locations with the most median-crossing accidents. 

The Gazette in Cedar Rapids reports that Iowa State Patrol officers, local police, and fire officials in eastern Iowa say cables installed last summer have undoubtedly reduced the number of vehicles crossing the median. Such accidents often lead to fatalities. 

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