IRC Code SP 119: Traffic Safety Barriers and Landscaping – A Comprehensive Guide to Safer Urban Roads

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Road safety isn’t just about signs and signals; it's deeply rooted in how we plan and build our roads. One of the most underappreciated yet critical elements of safe road design is the implementation of Traffic Safety Barriers, especially in urban environments. As per the IRC Code SP:119-2018, the integration of safety features like barriers, strategic plantation, and stormwater management not only improves visual aesthetics but significantly enhances the safety and functionality of roads.

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This blog explores in detail how IRC SP:119 guides the strategic use of landscaping and infrastructure – including barriers – to create safe, sustainable, and resilient urban roads.

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What is IRC Code SP:119?

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The IRC SP:119-2018, titled Manual of Planting and Landscaping of Urban Roads, is a guideline developed by the Indian Roads Congress for integrating green infrastructure with urban road design. It addresses how plantation, street furniture, multi-functional zones (MFZs), stormwater systems, and protective elements such as barriers can work in harmony to enhance both safety and environmental sustainability.

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While the manual mainly focuses on landscape integration, it also covers protective installations like traffic safety barriers, guardrails, and physical buffers that help mitigate road hazards.

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Importance of Traffic Safety Barriers

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Traffic safety barriers are physical installations designed to prevent vehicles from veering off the road, entering pedestrian zones, or causing damage to roadside assets. These are especially important in high-speed corridors, medians, footpaths, and vulnerable road zones near pedestrian activity.

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Key purposes include:

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• Protecting pedestrians and cyclists.

• Preventing vehicles from entering green zones or sidewalks.

• Safeguarding street furniture, trees, and utilities.

• Managing vehicle flow and impact forces in case of collisions.

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Integration of Barriers with Landscape Design

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1. Multi-Functional Zones (MFZs) and Safety Barriers

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One of the major innovations in IRC SP:119 is the inclusion of MFZs, which consolidate multiple elements like utilities, plantations, stormwater systems, and safety barriers into a designated buffer strip on both sides of the carriageway.

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In these zones:

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• Safety barriers can be installed along the MFZ to shield trees, utility boxes, and pedestrians.

• Barriers also protect the irrigation and infiltration systems installed underground.

• The use of crash-worthy, aesthetic guardrails is recommended to blend with the green landscape.

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2. Median Barriers

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According to Section 2.2.1 of the manual:

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• Urban roads with a median width of 2.1 m and above can accommodate both shade trees and median barriers.

• These barriers not only prevent cross-median crashes but also protect the tree line in the median.

• Adequate sub-grade protection ensures that tree roots do not damage the pavement or barrier foundation.

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Erosion Control Barriers in Water-Logged Areas

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The erosion control section (3.10) of IRC SP:119 discusses how natural and man-made barriers can prevent erosion in vulnerable urban terrains. Key points include:

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• Use of geo-textile barriers, shrubs, and soil retention structures on slopes.

• Barriers along stormwater channels to prevent wash-off during heavy rains.

• Incorporating bioswales and detention barriers to filter runoff and reduce load on drainage infrastructure.

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Tree Protection and Transplantation Barriers

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The manual emphasizes the protection of existing trees, especially during road widening or construction. This is where tree protection guards and root-zone barriers become crucial:

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• IRC SP:119 mandates tree guards made of metal, bamboo, or concrete to shield against vandalism and mechanical damage.

• During transplantation, temporary barriers ensure minimal root disturbance and preserve soil structure.

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Design Considerations for Barrier Placement

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When placing safety barriers, the following criteria are outlined:

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• Setback distance from the carriageway to avoid conflicts with pedestrian paths.

• Integration with other utilities like lighting, signage, and irrigation systems.

• Ensuring uninterrupted drainage and visibility.

• Selection of barrier type (e.g., crash barriers, bollards, planter-box barriers) based on road hierarchy and land use.

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Environmental Benefits of Barrier-Integrated Landscaping

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Beyond safety, these installations contribute to:

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• Noise and dust reduction using earth berms and plant-based barriers.

• Mitigation of urban heat islands with shaded MFZs and vegetated median barriers.

• Reduced air pollution as trees act as bio-filters for vehicular emissions.

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Maintenance and Sustainability

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According to Chapter 4 of IRC SP:119:

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• Barriers, like all road components, require regular inspection and maintenance.

• Periodic checking of anchoring systems, repainting, and vegetation trimming is essential.

• All installations should align with low-maintenance, water-efficient landscaping as recommended in xeriscaping principles.

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Conclusion

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Incorporating traffic safety barriers within landscape zones, as guided by the IRC Code SP:119, is not just about preventing accidents – it’s about rethinking urban roads as ecosystems. With strategic planning, cities can achieve safer, greener, and more efficient roads, where every element – from a tree to a crash barrier – plays a role in protecting lives and enhancing urban resilience.

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As urbanization intensifies, following IRC standards like SP:119 ensures that safety and sustainability go hand in hand.

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