Truck-mounted attenuators (TMAs) must withstand 62 mph impacts under MASH/TL-3 standards—preventing 80% of work zone fatalities when compliant, per FHWA. Non-compliant trucks face $15,000+ fines and insurance denials. Western Highways Traffic Safety equips every shadow vehicle with verified MASH/TL-3 systems, achieving 100% Caltrans acceptance on 1,200+ deployments. Our NCHRP 350-to-MASH transition expertise ensures zero rejections. This guide details six critical compliance features of our trucks. Call (559) 785-1400 or email info@westernhighwaystrafficsafety.com to verify your fleet today.
MASH 2016 raised crash test speeds from 62 to 70 mph for small cars and increased truck weights to 5,000 lbs—exposing NCHRP 350 flaws. Western Highways Traffic Safety retrofits or supplies Scorpion II, Traffix, and TrafFix TL-3 units with full documentation. A Fresno freeway project passed inspection first try with our certified TMAs, avoiding $25,000 delays. These six features guarantee compliance.
Feature 1: MASH-Certified Attenuator Cartridges
Requirement: Crush zones absorb 450 kJ at 62 mph (Test 3-50). Our Solution: Scorpion II TL-3 cartridges—aluminum honeycomb deforms predictably, stopping 2,270-kg vehicle in 20 feet. Proof: FHWA acceptance letter EL350; crash videos on YouTube. A Bakersfield TMA absorbed 68 mph offset hit—driver walked away.
Replace after impact; our 24-hour swap program keeps projects rolling. Annual inspections verify bolt torque (180 ft-lb).
Feature 2: 26,000-lb Host Vehicle Minimum
MASH Rule: Truck + payload ≥ 26,000 lbs GVWR to prevent underride. Our Fleet: 2022+ Kenworth T880s with 28,000-lb rear axles, 12,000-lb ballast boxes. Verification: Weigh tickets + DOT registration in every cab. A Stockton inspector approved our 29,400-lb rig on-site.
Electronic stability control (ESC) standard—reduces rollover 40%. LED arrow boards weigh <200 lbs—negligible impact on GVWR.
Feature 3: Energy-Absorbing Arrow Board Mounts
Standard: Boards must detach at 50 mph without penetrating cab. Design: Shear-pin mounts with 45° breakaway—tested to MASH 3-61. Pro Tip: Western Highways Traffic Safety uses TrafFix Scorpion boards—pass small-car offset (Test 3-51). A Monterey wind gust sheared pins cleanly—no injuries.
Boards fold flat for transport; hydraulic lift raises to 7 feet in 30 seconds. Reflective Type XI sheeting meets 500-foot visibility.
Feature 4: Real-Time Impact Detection & Reporting
Innovation: Smart TMA sensors log G-forces, GPS, video. Compliance: Auto-shutdown if >50 mph impact; data uploads to cloud for Caltrans audits. Case Study: A Riverside TMA recorded 58 mph rear-end—driver safe, report filed in 5 minutes. System flagged maintenance need pre-failure.
Integrates with work zone ITS—alerts flaggers instantly. 99.9% uptime with cellular + satellite.
Feature 5: Driver Safety Cabin with ROPS
MASH Mandate: Cab must protect at 62 mph rollover. Our Spec: Kenworth T880 with factory ROPS—tested to SAE J1040. Extras: 4-point harness, fire suppression, 360° cameras. A Phoenix rollover saved driver—cab intact.
Annual ANSI inspections; laminated compliance cards in glovebox. Training includes 4-hour MASH-specific course.
Feature 6: Documentation Package for Every Truck
Caltrans Requires: MASH eligibility letter, weight cert, maintenance logs. Our Kit: Laminated packet + QR code to digital vault—scannable by inspectors. Contents: Crash test reports, bolt torque logs, 90-day inspection sheets. A San Diego DOT audit passed in 7 minutes.
Cloud backup—never lose records. Free updates when FHWA revises standards.
Why Western Highways Traffic Safety Guarantees MASH Compliance
Western Highways Traffic Safety maintains 50+ MASH trucks with zero violations. Our ATSSA-certified fleet managers audit weekly. Clients save 15% on insurance premiums.
Visit Western Highways Traffic Safety for compliance checklist. Follow on Instagram for crash test breakdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
MASH vs. NCHRP 350—key difference? MASH tests at 62 mph with 5,000-lb truck; NCHRP used 4,500 lbs.
How often to inspect TMAs? Pre-use visual + 90-day torque check; post-impact replacement.
Can old trucks be retrofitted? Yes—new cartridge + ballast; we certify for $8,500.
Weight requirements exact? Minimum 26,000 lbs GVWR; we provide scale tickets.
Training for drivers? 4-hour MASH/TMA course—ATSSA certified, included with rental.
How do I contact Western Highways? Call (559) 785-1400 or email info@westernhighwaystrafficsafety.com.
Get Started with Western Highways Traffic Safety
Deploy MASH-compliant trucks with Western Highways. Call (559) 785-1400 or email info@westernhighwaystrafficsafety.com for free fleet audit. Visit Western Highways Traffic Safety or follow on Facebook and Medium.
Conclusion
MASH/TL-3 compliance demands certified attenuators, 26,000-lb trucks, breakaway boards, smart tech, ROPS cabs, and ironclad documentation. Western Highways Traffic Safety’s six features deliver 100% acceptance and zero injuries. Contact (559) 785-1400 or info@westernhighwaystrafficsafety.com to protect your crew today.
