Barrier transfer machine

A barrier transfer machine, also known as zipper machine or road zipper, is a type of heavy vehicle that is used to transfer concrete lane dividers, such as Jersey barriers, in order to relieve traffic congestion during rush hours.

[7][8][9] [citation needed] Auckland Harbour Bridge had its original moveable barrier system installed in 1990.

[10] The Benjamin Franklin Bridge has had a permanent barrier transfer system since 2000, when it was installed by the Delaware River Port Authority.

[12][13] The vehicle contains an S-shaped, inverted conveyor channel in its undercarriage which lifts the barrier segments (which may weigh over 1,000 pounds (450 kg)) off the road surface and transfers them over to the other side of the lane, reallocating traffic lanes to accommodate increased traffic for the currently dominant (peak) direction.

The length can vary based on application and the amount of barrier needed to effectively deflect an errant vehicle.

Hydraulically adjustable units and computerized steering guidance systems in such models further aid in accurate transfer vehicle movement and barrier placement.

A barrier being moved on the Golden Gate Bridge
Hinge pin used as the linkage of moveable barriers [ 1 ]
This large machine was used on the Auckland Harbour Bridge to shift the center lane back and forth to accommodate rush hour traffic.
Road Zipper machine at the Golden Gate Bridge , San Francisco, California .