​What Do Impact Attenuators Do?

When a vehicle strikes a fixed object or barrier—especially at high speeds—impact attenuators absorb and dissipate the crash energy. Instead of a sudden stop or destructive rebound, the vehicle is decelerated in a controlled way, reducing the likelihood of fatal or severe injuries.

 

​Attenuators are commonly installed at:

• Freeway and highway exit gore points

• Bridge piers and abutments

• Concrete median barriers

• Guardrail terminals

• Work zone closures and construction lane shifts

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All systems we furnish and install meet NCHRP 350 or MASH (Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware) crashworthiness criteria.

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Types of Impact Attenuators We Provide

Midwest Fence offers both temporary and permanent impact attenuator systems to suit a wide range of project conditions.

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Temporary (Rental or Purchase)

Temporary crash cushions are ideal for short-term projects, construction zones, lane closures, and mobile traffic control setups. These systems are:

• Portable and self-contained

• Quick to install, relocate, or remove

• Approved for IDOT and work zone use

• Available for rental or purchase

• Reusable across multiple job sites

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We maintain an inventory of rentable attenuators and can coordinate delivery, installation, and removal as part of your traffic control plan.

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Permanent Attenuators

Permanent systems are designed for fixed roadside hazards that require long-term protection. Common locations include:

• Off-ramp terminations

• Bridge ends

• Utility structures

• Median barrier gaps

These attenuators are constructed from durable, weather-resistant materials, such as steel frames, hydraulic cartridges, or reinforced composite elements, depending on the system.

We install permanent crash cushions as part of highway, Tollway, municipal, or industrial infrastructure packages — always in compliance with state and federal safety standards.

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System Types Available

We furnish and install a wide variety of attenuator types, including:

• Gating and non-gating crash cushions

• Redirective and non-redirective units

• Narrow or wide footprint designs

• Sand-filled, hydraulic, and mechanical energy-absorbing systems

• IDOT-approved units for Type A and B applications

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Need help identifying the right system for your site? Our experienced team can evaluate site conditions and recommend the proper attenuator solution.

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Partnering with Public Agencies & Contractors

We work with:

• General contractors on roadway and bridge projects

• Municipalities and DOTs maintaining permanent installations

• Traffic control firms needing portable crash cushions

• Construction managers overseeing infrastructure upgrades

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Our crews are trained in IDOT, Tollway, and OSHA requirements, and all field labor is union-certified.

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Request a Quote for Impact Attenuators

Whether you need a rental attenuator for a work zone or a permanent crash cushion system for a freeway project, Midwest Fence Corporation is ready to assist.