© 2024 WMKY
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

KYTC Suspends Installation of ET-Plus Guardrail

WSB TV

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has temporarily suspended installation of the ET-Plus guardrail end treatment, pending results of new crash tests mandated by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Trinity notified state departments of transportation that it would stop shipment of ET-Plus units until testing is completed. KYTC has de-listed the ET-Plus as a permitted option for installation or replacement of Type 1 guardrail end treatments.

Kentucky has experienced no known safety issues with the ET-Plus, manufactured by Trinity Highway Products LLC, of Dallas.

“However, we considered it prudent to suspend use of the ET-Plus as a new or replacement guardrail terminal until questions from other states about its safety and performance are resolved,” Transportation Cabinet Secretary Mike Hancock said.

“We are monitoring developments and keeping in regular contact with our federal partners at FHWA on this matter,” Secretary Hancock added.

FHWA has ordered Trinity to submit the ET-Plus to new testing. That followed a trial in Texas in which a jury determined Trinity had committed fraud by failing to disclose to FHWA or the states that the design of its guardrail terminal had been changed.

KYTC maintains an “approved product list” but does not specify a product brand when a guardrail contract is put out for bids. Instead, the contractor chooses from among brands on the list. ET-Plus is one brand of Type 1 guardrail end treatment.

“Like FHWA and our sister states, we await the completion of new crash tests, after which an appropriate decision will be made about future use of the ET-Plus,” Secretary Hancock said.

Story provided by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

Paul Hitchcock earned his Masters in Communications from Morehead State University and Bachelors in Radio-TV/Psychology from Georgetown College. A veteran broadcaster for more than 40 years and an avid fan of blues, jazz and American roots music. Hitchcock has been with WMKY since 1986 and was named General Manager in 2003. He currently hosts "Muddy Bottom Blues" (Fri., 8pm-9pm), "Nothin' But The Blues" (Sat., 8pm-12am), "Sunday Night Jazz Showcase" and "Live From The Jazz Lounge" (Sun., 8pm-9pm) and "The Golden Age of Radio" (Sun., 2pm-3pm). He also serves as producer for "A Time For Tales" and "The Reader's Notebook."
Related Content