When work zones are on high-speed freeways, multi-lane arterials or rural highways with posted speeds of 55–70+ mph, anything less than a full MASH TL-3 certified, heavy-duty Truck-Mounted Attenuator (TMA / shadow vehicle) puts workers, drivers and your company at unacceptable risk. Western Highways Traffic Safety is the authorized California dealer and service center for Verdegro crash attenuators — one of the most trusted names in MASH-compliant TMA technology worldwide.
This article explains exactly why the Verdegro heavy-duty TMA truck is the go-to choice for professional contractors who refuse to compromise on safety, compliance or uptime — and how we configure these units to meet California’s toughest requirements.
Verdegro Heavy-Duty TMA – Core Technical Advantages
| Feature | Verdegro Heavy-Duty Specification | Why It Matters in California Work Zones |
|---|---|---|
| MASH Test Level | TL-3 (70 mph / 113 km/h small car & pickup truck tests) | Mandatory for all ≥55 mph facilities per Caltrans & FHWA |
| Minimum Host GVWR | 26,000 lbs (Class 6–8 trucks) | Prevents underride & vehicle vaulting during impact |
| Crash Energy Absorption | Aluminum honeycomb cartridge – up to 450 kJ | Stops 2,270 kg vehicle in controlled deformation zone |
| Cartridge Replacement Time | 30–60 minutes (bolt-on design) | Minimizes project downtime after minor impacts |
| Arrow Board Integration | 60×30 inch full-matrix Type C (Wanco / SolarTech) | Meets Caltrans sequential chevron & auto-dimming rules |
| Lighting Package | 4-corner strobes + 360° LED work lights + take-downs | 10 fc minimum illumination + visibility in fog/rain |
| Deployment / Stow Time | 15–45 seconds (90° vertical or fixed-tilt options) | Fast setup / breakdown on short-duration closures |
| Wind Load Rating | 80–100 mph (AASHTO LTS-6 compliant) | Survives Santa Ana & coastal wind events |
Why Verdegro Outperforms Other TL-3 Systems in Real California Conditions
- Faster Cartridge Swap Verdegro’s bolt-on cartridge design allows replacement in under an hour with basic tools — no welding, no specialized hydraulics. Many competitors require 4–8 hours or shop return.
- Lower Overall Height When Stowed The 90° vertical-stow option keeps overall height under 9 feet — critical for low-clearance overpasses on I-5, I-15, I-805, SR-52 and urban corridors. Fixed-tilt models from other brands often exceed 14–16 ft.
- Superior Corrosion Resistance All structural steel is hot-dip galvanized after fabrication; aluminum cartridges are naturally corrosion-resistant. In coastal Districts 8, 11 & 12 (San Diego, Orange, LA), Verdegro units routinely outlast competitors by 4–7 years.
- Integrated Lighting & Controls Factory pre-wired with California-compliant 4-corner strobes, sequential chevrons, work lights and auto-dimming. No aftermarket wiring that fails inspections or creates liability.
- Proven Crash Performance Verdegro has multiple FHWA acceptance letters under MASH 16 (most current standard). Independent crash videos show controlled deformation, no vehicle vaulting, and occupant compartment integrity — exactly what Caltrans safety reviewers want to see.
Typical Verdegro TMA Truck Configurations We Build & Support
| Project Type | Host Truck Example | TMA Model | Arrow Board | Typical Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freeway / expressway paving | Kenworth T880, 33,000 lb GVWR | Verdegro VPS-350 Heavy | 60×30 Type C | 6–10 weeks |
| Arterial resurfacing / widening | Freightliner M2, 26,000 lb | Verdegro VPS-225 Vertical | 60×30 Type C | 5–8 weeks |
| City street / utility work | International CV, 19,500 lb | Verdegro VPS-100 Tilt | 48×24 Type C | 4–6 weeks |
| Night / short-duration closures | Peterbilt 567, 33,000 lb | Verdegro VPS-350 Scissor | 60×30 + radar opt | 7–11 weeks |
Every truck we deliver includes:
- Full FHWA MASH acceptance letter
- Current weight certification ticket
- Complete wiring & lighting diagram
- Operator training checklist
- Maintenance & inspection log template
Why Contractors Switch to Western Highways Verdegro Builds
- Single point of responsibility — we handle chassis upfit, TMA installation, wiring, lighting, Caltrans decals and certification
- In-house fabrication & electrical shop — no third-party delays
- Direct Verdegro dealer pricing — no middleman markup
- Same-day parts from Porterville stock — cartridge, arrow board, strobes, hydraulics
- Financing & lease options — preserve cash flow on new builds
- Rental fleet available — test before you buy
See our latest Verdegro builds and crash-test footage on Instagram and YouTube Shorts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GVWR do I really need for TL-3? Minimum 26,000 lbs actual scale weight — we provide certified weight tickets.
Can I retrofit a Verdegro TMA on my existing truck? Yes — we do complete retrofits with new wiring, lighting and certification.
How long does certification last? MASH acceptance is for the design — but cartridges must be replaced after every impact.
Do you service out-of-state trucks? Yes — nationwide shipping & installation available.
Warranty on Verdegro TMA? Manufacturer cartridge warranty + our 1-year bumper-to-bumper on installation.
How do I get started? Call (559) 785-1400 or email info@westernhighwaystrafficsafety.com.
Build the Right Truck — Not the Cheapest One
A TMA is not an accessory — it’s a life-saving impact attenuator that must perform perfectly when hit at 70 mph. Western Highways Traffic Safety builds Verdegro-equipped trucks that are safe, compliant, and ready for California’s toughest work zones.
Call (559) 785-1400 or email info@westernhighwaystrafficsafety.com for current inventory, pricing and a free consultation.
Visit Western Highways Traffic Safety or follow on Facebook and Medium.
Your crew’s safety depends on the right TMA — not the lowest bid.
