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Roadside Management Toolbox: Minor Concrete Vegetation Control

Photo showing the importance of minor concrete vegetation control Diagram detailing construction of minor concrete vegetation control

What Is This Treatment?

This is a new standard treatment to control weed growth under midwest guardrail system and should be used on all applicable projects. Minor Concrete Vegetation Control consists of minor concrete (that may include crumb rubber and polypropylene fibers) applied beneath midwest guardrail, sign posts, and adjacent to median barriers.

When and Where to Use This Vegetation Control?

Use this treatment on all new installations of midwest guardrail system or thrie beam where repetitive maintenance activity to control vegetation would be otherwise be required. This treatment may also be used to provide vegetation control beyond the gore area, in narrow strips, on side slopes and below roadside sign posts. This product may also be colored and/or stamped with a pattern for additional texture. Guidance for this treatment is included in the Highway Design Manual in Index 706.1, Roadside Management, and in the Project Development Procedures Manual in Chapter 29 and Appendix L. The guidance in these manuals states that vegetation control under guardrail is required in the following situations:

  • Midwest guardrail system, including railing, terminal system end treatments, guardrail at structure approach and departures, and at fixed objects should included vegetation control. For more detailed information regarding placement of vegetation control consult with both the District Landscape Architect and District Maintenance. See the Standard Plans for minor concrete vegetation control.
  • Thrie beam barrier, including single thrie beam barrier, double thrie beam barrier, at structure approach and at fixed objects should include vegetation control. For more detailed information regarding placement of vegetation control consult with both the District Landscape Architect and District Maintenance.

Map

Map of Existing Guardrail and Chemical Vegetation Control

Benefits

  • Correctly designed and installed, the life cycle cost of this material should be similar to concrete paving.
  • Wide variety of colors available for the designer to specify to match soil color
  • Easily installed by contractors and maintenance crews with standard tools and equipment.

Limitations

  • Due to rigid nature of this treatment, a "leave-out section" must be formed at each midwest guardrail system or median barrier post. See Standard Specifications and Details below.
  • According to FHWA Report No. FHWA/TX-04/0-4162-2, Dynamic Response of Guardrail Systems Encased in Pavement Mow Strips, concrete paving areas under midwest guardrail system which include grout-filled leave-outs at posts are considered to have a high probability of passing NCHRP Report 350.
  • This treatment is not recommended for existing guardrail as it may be cost prohibitive due to grading and excavation required to install the treatment. Other treatments (such as Weed Control Mat (Fiber) are better suited for use under existing guard rail.

Specifications

  • Use the 2015 Specifications for Minor Concrete Vegetation Control

Details

New Standard Plans (NSPs) and Revised Standard Plans (RSPs) for Vegetation Control (Minor Concrete) are available.

Estimate Costs

  • $65/ yd 2
  • BEES Item - 832070 Vegetation Control (Minor Concrete)

Updated March 2017