Departure Terminals FAQs

Departure terminals, also known as trailing terminals, are the specially designed end pieces located at the trailing end of a w-beam guardrail system.

Departure terminals are designed to anchor the guardrail system and introduce the necessary tensile and flexural strength required for safe vehicle containment and re-direction throughout the length-of-need section.

Yes. Whilst some end terminals also provide the additional feature of reducing the severity of an impact near or at the end of the system, this does not apply to departure terminals. As a consequence, departure terminals should only be used when they are located outside the clear zone of approaching traffic or when shielded from approach traffic by another barrier.

Some jurisdictions do not permit the use of Departure Terminals unless installed on a divided roadway where there is no opportunity for a reverse direction impact with the terminal.

Departure Terminal designs are manufactured in accordance with Australian state road agency designs. Designs vary from state to state, however they typically comprise a 4m w-beam guardrail panel supported by posts at 2m centres. A cable assembly is installed between the rail and end post in order to anchor the terminal.

No. Thriebeam guardrail must transition to w-beam guardrail before a departure terminal can be installed.

Posts, blocking pieces and w-beam guardrails are hot dip galvanised.

The Departure Terminals for guardrails are made of Australian steel, with hot dip galvanised components.