In the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) Bikeway Facility Design Manual requirements for safety on highway bridges with bikeways is addressed.
Expansion joint cover requirements include:
- On all bridge decks a bicycle-safe expansion be used (as close to 90 degrees to the direction of travel as possible, with small gaps and non-skid plates).
- Many expansion joints become slippery when wet and should be evaluated for bicycle traction in wet conditions.
A common way to measure slip resistance is coefficient of friction. This can be tested by various machines in accordance with ASTM procedures. These tests specify both a wet and dry value. Before choosing a slip resistant material for a highway bridge bikeway expansion joint it is recommended to research the different options available. There are several ways to go about doing this, from requesting a large sample to test and evaluate, to requesting references or test information.
SLIPNOT Metal Safety Flooring manufactures non-slip expansion joints that are utilized by TxDOT, FDOT and other municipalities to prevent slips and falls. These expansion joint covers are available in steel stainless steel, aluminum or galvanized steel. Customized to specifications, SLIPNOT expansion covers replace traditional bare metal covers that become slick when wet. With a coefficient of friction that is greater than or equal to 0.85, these covers provide a high traction, durable, long lasting surface that municipalities call for.
Mn/DOT Bikeway Facility Design Manual. March 2007.
