DELAWARE - Delaware transportation officials are updating guardrail inspection and repair practices as the state works to keep roadside barriers operating safely.
According to the Delaware Department of Transportation, it is responsible for several hundred miles of guardrails across the state.
C.R. McLeod with DelDOT said changing safety standards and manufacturers have increased the need to make sure guardrails are properly maintained and repaired.
"The purpose of that guardrail is to keep vehicles from departing the road, keep them on the correct side of the road," McLeod said. "We want to make sure that the guardrail is operating as it's intended to."
DelDOT is adding independent reviews of guardrail repairs to make sure work is completed correctly and that the proper parts are used. New guardrails are also being installed at 31 inches high, up from the previous standard of about 27 inches, to account for larger vehicles on the road.
Along Route 1 in Kent County, WBOC spotted a few dents in barriers but no major damage that appeared to have been left unrepaired.
Many drivers said additional safety measures are welcome.
"Any more safety will be better on the road," one driver said. "There's more and more young drivers with a little bit more wild driving... so any more safety is going to be better."
McLeod said damaged guardrails can be reported by dialing #77, connecting drivers with DelDOT's Transportation Management Center. The department says it works to repair damage as quickly as possible.
DelDOT says it is also continuing to upgrade older guardrails as part of road projects.
