Roller Barrier Pilot Project Delivers Strong Safety Results
ARRB SYSTEMS partnered with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport (KZN DoT) and Nexor SA to implement a safety roller barrier pilot project at five high-risk locations across the province, including sites in Durban, Ladysmith, Empangeni, and Pietermaritzburg.
Between 2019 and 2021, ARRB SYSTEMS and Nexor SA conducted iRAP safety assessments across the region. The assessments identified sites with 1-star safety ratings and documented crash histories, including run-off-road incidents and loss-of-control collisions. These findings informed the selection of pilot locations.
Monitoring cameras installed at each site captured the barriers’ performance under real traffic conditions. Two significant incidents demonstrated the system’s effectiveness:
Project Summaries
1. Empangeni Site – Regional Route 66
On 9 May 2022, a fully loaded 30-32 ton articulated truck travelling at approximately 65 km/h lost control and overturned into the roller barrier system. The barrier contained the vehicle, preventing roadside breach and collision with opposing traffic. There were no fatalities or serious injuries.
Following the incident, 54 metres of barrier required maintenance. The damaged components were repaired and reused by a local contractor rather than replaced, reducing costs and downtime compared to conventional steel guardrails.
2. Pietermaritzburg Site – Near Ixopo
A bus carrying more than 40 passengers lost control on a steep, mountainous route and collided with the installed barrier. The system arrested the vehicle’s movement, preventing it from overturning down the embankment. More than 44 passengers avoided serious harm, with only minor injuries reported.
Project Outcomes
The pilot project achieved zero fatalities across all sites. The results demonstrate how data-driven site selection combined with proven safety infrastructure can improve road safety outcomes while offering practical maintenance and cost benefits.
This project highlights the importance of combining data analytics, international best-practice safety systems, and local partnerships to address road safety risks. Through the collaboration between the KZN Department of Transport, Nexor SA, and ARRB SYSTEMS, some of the province’s most dangerous road segments were transformed into safer corridors.
At ARRB SYSTEMS, we remain committed to supporting road authorities through advanced safety assessments, infrastructure innovation, and performance monitoring—ensuring that investment decisions are informed by sound data and proven solutions.
