Talk:K-rail
Latest comment: 1 year ago by Equinox in topic Etymology: I asked ca.gov
Etymology: I asked ca.gov[edit]
I e-mailed the relevant Californian government department and asked: "Why is it a 'K-rail' and what does the letter K represent here? Who invented the term and when?" Tony DeAnda replied:
- Caltrans currently uses portable concrete barriers called K-rails. These were developed by the state of New Jersey and California about the same time. There is not one person who invented them, based on this article Charles M Noble is named as a driving force. He was an engineer and head of New Jersey State Highway Department 1946-1949.
- Caltrans installed the K-rails in 1946 as a test project on U.S. 99 in the Grapevine, see this article. Caltrans approved their use for California in the mid-1960s and other states followed.
- As far as why they are called k-rails, I have researched it extensively and have found no documentation that explains the reason. I have checked the Caltrans Design and Construction websites and Maintenance Department. If you do discover documentation that explains the name K-rail, please let me know.