U.S. Department 

of Transportation 

Federal Highway 

Administration 

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

January 14, 2022

In Reply Refer To: 

HSST-1/SS-186 

Nate Kolmodin 

Allied Tube and Conduit Corporation 

16100 S. Lathrop Avenue 

Harvey, Illinois 60426 

USA 

Dear Mr. Kolmodin: 

This letter is in response to your October 19, 2021 request for the Federal Highway 

Administration (FHWA) to review a roadside safety device, hardware, or system for eligibility 

for reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway program. This FHWA letter of eligibility is 

assigned FHWA control number SS-186 and is valid until a subsequent letter is issued by FHWA 

that expressly references this device. 

Decision 

The following device is eligible with details provided in the form which is attached as an integral 

part of this letter: 

• SafeSign Support System 

Scope of this Letter 

To be found eligible for Federal-aid funding, new roadside safety devices should meet the crash 

test and evaluation criteria contained in the American Association of State Highway and 

Transportation Officials’(AASHTO) Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). 

However, the FHWA, the Department of Transportation, and the United States Government do 

not regulate the manufacture of roadside safety devices. Eligibility for reimbursement under the 

Federal-aid highway program does not establish approval, certification or endorsement of the 

device for any particular purpose or use. 

This letter is not a determination by the FHWA, the Department of Transportation, or the United 

States Government that a vehicle crash involving the device will result in any particular 

outcome, nor is it a guarantee of the in-service performance of this device. Proper 

manufacturing, installation, and maintenance are required in order for this device to function as 

tested. 

This finding of eligibility is limited to the crashworthiness of the system and does not cover other 

structural features, nor conformity with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. 
 

 

 

2 

Eligibility for Reimbursement 

Based solely on a review of crash test results and certifications submitted by the manufacturer, 

and the crash test laboratory, FHWA agrees that the device described herein meets the crash test 

and evaluation criteria of the AASHTO’s MASH. Therefore, the device is eligible for 

reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway program if installed under the range of tested 

conditions. 

• Name of system: SafeSign Support System 

Type of system: Sign Support 

Test Level: Test Level 3 

Testing conducted by: Texas A&M Transportation Institute 

Date of request: October 19, 2021 

FHWA concurs with the recommendation of the accredited crash testing laboratory on the 

attached form. 

Full Description of the Eligible Device 

The device and supporting documentation, including reports of the crash tests or other testing 

done, videos of any crash testing, and/or drawings of the device, are described in the attached 

form. 

Notice 

This eligibility letter is issued for the subject device as tested. Modifications made to the device 

are not covered by this letter. Any modifications to this device should be submitted to the user 

(i.e., state DOT) as per their requirements. 

You are expected to supply potential users with sufficient information on design, installation and 

maintenance requirements to ensure proper performance. 

You are expected to certify to potential users that the hardware furnished has the same chemistry, 

mechanical properties, and geometry as that submitted for review, and that it will meet the test 

and evaluation criteria of AASHTO’s MASH. 

Issuance of this letter does not convey property rights of any sort or any exclusive privilege. This 

letter is based on the premise that information and reports submitted by you are accurate and 

correct. We reserve the right to modify or revoke this letter if: (1) there are any inaccuracies in 

the information submitted in support of your request for this letter, (2) the qualification testing 

was flawed, (3) in-service performance or other information reveals safety problems, (4) the 

system is significantly different from the version that was crash tested, or (5) any other 

information indicates that the letter was issued in error or otherwise does not reflect full and 

complete information about the crashworthiness of the system. 
 

3 

Standard Provisions 

• To prevent misunderstanding by others, this letter of eligibility designated as FHWA 

control number SS-186 shall not be reproduced except in full. This letter and the test 

documentation upon which it is based are public information. All such letters and 

documentation may be reviewed upon request. 

• This letter shall not be construed as authorization or consent by the FHWA to use, 

manufacture, or sell any patented system for which the applicant is not the patent holder. 

• This FHWA eligibility letter is not an expression of any Agency view, position, or 

determination of validity, scope, or ownership of any intellectual property rights to a 

specific device or design. Further, this letter does not impute any distribution or licensing 

rights to the requester. This FHWA eligibility letter determination is made based solely 

on the crash-testing information submitted by the requester. The FHWA reserves the 

right to review and revoke an earlier eligibility determination after receipt of subsequent 

information related to crash testing. 

Sincerely, 

Michael S. Griffith 

Director, Office of Safety Technologies 

Office of Safety 

Enclosures 
Page 1 of 4 

October 19, 2021 I  r

Nate Kolmodin 

Allied Tube and Conduit Corporation 

16100 S. Lathrop Avenue, Harvey, Illinois 60426 

USA 

Device & Testing Criterion - Enter from right to left starting with Test Level I ' - ' - ' I 

System Type Submission Type Device Name/ Variant Testing Criterion Test 

Level 

'SS': Breakaway Sign  Physical Crash Testing AASHTO MASH TL3

Supports, Mailboxes, &  Engineering Analysis SafeSign Support System

other small sian sunnorts 

Contact Name: Nate Kolmodin Same as Submitter 

Company Name: Allied Tube and Conduit Corporation Same as Submitter 

Address: 16100 S. Lathrop Avenue, Harvey, Illinois 60426 Same as Submitter 

Country: USA Same as Submitter 

Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) was contracted by Allied Tube & Conduit Corporation to perform fullscale crash testing of the SafeSign Support System. There are no shared financial interests in the SafeSign 

Support System, or between Allied Tube & Conduit Corporation and TTI, other than the costs involved in the 

actual crash tests and reports for this submission to FHWA. 

***690900-ATC 21-22-23*** 

 Version 10.0 (05/16)

Submitter

Request for Federal Aid Reimbursement Eligibility

of Highway Safety Hardware

 Date of Request: Resubmissio

Name:

Company:

Address:

Country:

Michael S. Griffith, Director To: FHWA, Office of Safety Technologies 

I request the following devices be considered eligible for reimbursement under the Federal-aid 

highway program.

By submitting this request for review and evaluation by the Federal Highway Administration, I certify 

that the product(s) was (were) tested in conformity with the AASHTO Manual for Assessing Safety 

Hardware and that the evaluation results meet the appropriate evaluation criteria in the MASH.

Individual or Organization responsible for the product:

Enter below all disclosures of financial interests as required by the FHWA `Federal-Aid Reimbursement 

Eligibility Process for Safety Hardware Devices' document.
Page 2 of 4 

 New Hardware or

 Significant Modification

 Modification to

Existing Hardware 

The SafeSign Support System test installation consisted of a 72-inch x 144-inch extruded aluminum sign 

mounted 84 inches above grade on two sign post assemblies spaced 88 inches center to center. The post 

assemblies were constructed of 4-inch, 8-gauge ASTM 500 Gr C square steel tubing with a hinge connection 

joining the upper square tubing (attached to the sign) with the lower square tubing that extended upward 

from the slip base that was located near grade. The interface of the slip base was located approximately 3 

inches above grade. From the slip base, a 96-inch long section of 41⁄2-inch, 7 gauge ASTM 500 Gr B square 

tubing was embedded into the soil. 

The SafeSign Support Hinge Post Receivers and Cylinder Sleeve are fabricated from ASTM A 153 steel, and are 

galvanized in accordance with ASTM A653. 

The SafeSign Support Slip Bases are fabricated from ASTM A 1011 steel and are galvanized in accordance with 

ASTM A653. 

By signature below, the Engineer affiliated with the testing laboratory, agrees in support of this submission that 

all of the critical and relevant crash tests for this device listed above were conducted to meet the MASH test 

criteria. The Engineer has determined that no other crash tests are necessary to determine the device meets 

the MASH criteria. 

Roger P. Bligh 

Engineer Signature: Roger Bligh Digitally signed by Roger Bligh 

Date: 2021 .10.20 09:16:16-05'00' 

1254 Avenue A, Bldg 7091, Bryan, Texas 77807 Same as Submitter 

USA Same as Submitter 

Required Test Narrative Evaluation 

Number Description Results 

MASH Test 3-60 was successfully performed 

on the SafeSign Support System at 0 

degrees. In this test (690900-ATC 21), the 

support readily activated by slipping away 

and allowing the vehicle to pass. The 

vehicle remained stable and upright. The 

sign rotated 25 degrees about the nonimpact post, but the components of the 

sign support system remained intact other 

than one of the brackets connecting the 

3-60 (11 00C) sign to the impacted support post PASS 

becoming detached. 

The vehicle sustained a small indentation in 

the bumper at the at the location of impact, 

but it was so minimal as to be not 

measurable. Occupant risk indices 

(occupant impact velocity and ridedown 

acceleration) were within MASH thresholds. 

No occupant compartment deformation or 

intrusion was observed. 

 Version 10.0 (05/16)

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 

CRASH TESTING

Engineer Name:

Address:

Country:

 A brief description of each crash test and its result:
Page 3 of 4 

Required Test Narrative Evaluation 

Number Description Results 

MASH Test 3-61 was successfully performed 

on the SafeSign Support System at 0 

degrees. In this test (690900-ATC 22) the 

support readily activated by slipping away 

and allowing the vehicle to pass. The 

vehicle remained stable and upright. 

The impacted support post separated from 

its base and the sign panel, but the 

components of that sign post remained 

3-61 (11 00C) intact. The non-impact post remained PASS intact, vertical, and attached to its base. The 

sign panels detached from the posts. 

The vehicle sustained bumper and hood 

damage, including an 8-inch deep 

indentation in the hood. Occupant risk 

indices (occupant impact velocity and 

ridedown acceleration) were within MASH 

thresholds. No occupant compartment 

deformation or intrusion was observed. 

MASH Test 3-62 was successfully performed 

on the SafeSign Support System at 0 

degrees. In this test (690900-ATC 23) the 

support readily activated by slipping away 

and allowing the vehicle to pass. The 

vehicle remained stable and upright. 

The impacted support post separated from 

its base and the sign panel, but the 

components of that sign post remained 

intact. The non-impact post remained 

intact, vertical, and attached to its base. The 

3-62 (2270P) sign panels detached from the impact post, PASS 

and one section remained connected to the 

non-impact post. 

The vehicle sustained bumper and hood 

damage, with a 6-inch deep indentation in 

the bumper and a 4-inch deep indentation 

in the hood. Occupant risk indices 

(occupant impact velocity and ridedown 

acceleration) were within MASH thresholds. 

No occupant compartment deformation or 

intrusion was observed. 

 Version 10.0 (05/16)

Full Scale Crash Testing was done in compliance with MASH by the following accredited crash test 

laboratory (cite the laboratory’s accreditation status as noted in the crash test reports.):
 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 4 of 4 

Texas A&M Transportation Institute 

Laboratory Signature: 

 

1254 Avenue A, Bldg 7091, Bryan, Texas 77807 Same as Submitter 

USA Same as Submitter 

ISO 17025-2017 Laboratory 

A2LA Certificate Number: 2821.01 

Valid To: April 30, 2023 

 Version 10.0 (05/16)

Laboratory Name:

Address:

Country:

Accreditation Certificate

Number and Dates of current

Accreditation period :

ATTACHMENTS

Attach to this form:

1) Additional disclosures of related financial interest as indicated above.

2) A copy of the full test report, video, and a Test Data Summary Sheet for each test conducted in 

support of this request. 

3) A drawing or drawings of the device(s) that conform to the Task Force-13 Drawing Specifications 

[Hardware Guide Drawing Standards]. For proprietary products, a single isometric line drawing is 

usually acceptable to illustrate the product, with detailed specifications, intended use, and contact

information provided on the reverse. Additional drawings (not in TF-13 format) showing details that

are relevant to understanding the dimensions and performance of the device should also be submitted

to facilitate our review.

FHWA Official Business Only:

Eligibility Letter

Number Date Key Words
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

--1· ----303'-~-~-----

I =~ ~ 

_/_

Impact Path 

r--= I 1-., r'I 

- - _._ l .L ==-1.J_l --- --- '---"~J-

-?/~Ju· i FrnnJn"O ~ UtJJNIJM~,N 

I 

TR No. 690900-ATC21-23 26 2021-10-18 

0.000 s 0.100 s 0.200 s 0.300 s 

General Information 

Test Agency........................ 

Test Standard Test No........ 

TTI Test No. ....................... 

Test Date............................ 

Test Article 

Type ................................... 

Name.................................. 

Installation Height ............... 

Material or Key Elements.... 

Soil Type and Condition ...... 

Test Vehicle 

Type/Designation................ 

Make and Model ................. 

Curb ................................... 

Test Inertial......................... 

Dummy............................... 

Gross Static........................ 

Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) 

MASH Test 3-61 

690900-ATC22 

2021-07-16 

Support Structure—Sign Support 

SafeSignTM Support System 

84 inches to bottom of sign panel 

72 inches x 144 inches Aluminum multipanel sign 

4-inch square tube supports 

AASHTO M147-65(2004), grading D Soil 

(crushed concrete), damp 

1100C 

Impact Conditions

Speed.................................. 63.4 mi/h 

Angle................................... 0° 

Location/Orientation ............ 13 inches to right of 

vehicle centerline 

Kinetic Energy ...................... 329 kip-ft 

Exit Conditions 

Speed.................................. 61.3 mi/h 

Exit Angle............................ 0° 

Occupant Risk Values

Longitudinal OIV.................. 4.3 ft/s 

Lateral OIV .......................... 2.2 ft/s 

Longitudinal Ridedown ........ 0.4 g 

Lateral Ridedown ................ 0.7 g 

THIV.................................... 1.5 m/s 

ASI ...................................... 0.2 

Post-Impact Trajectory

Stopping Distance ..................... 303 ft downstream 

and inline 

Vehicle Stability

Maximum Roll Angle ................. 3° 

Maximum Pitch Angle................ 3° 

Maximum Yaw Angle................. 3° 

Test Article Debris Scatter 

Longitudinal............................... 150 ft downstream 

Lateral....................................... 8 ft right of center 

Vehicle Damage

VDS .......................................... 12FR3 

CDC .......................................... 12FREN2 

Max. Exterior Deformation......... 8.0 inches 

2015 Nissan Versa 

2361 lb 

2449 lb 

165 lb 

2614 lb 

Max. 0.050-s Average 

Longitudinal...................... −2.6 g

Lateral.............................. 1.0 g 

Vertical............................. −1.3 g

OCDI......................................... RF0000000 

Max. Occupant Compartment 

Deformation ........................... None 

Figure 6.6. Summary of Results for MASH Test 3-61 on SafeSignTM Support System. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAA)E / 

TR No. 690900-ATC21-23 31 2021-10-18 

0.000 s 0.100 s 0.200 s 0.300 s 

General Information 

Test Agency ....................... Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI)

Test Standard Test No........ MASH Test 3-62 

Impact Conditions

Speed ................................ 64.1 mi/h 

Angle ................................. 0° 

Post-Impact Trajectory

Stopping Distance..................... 274 ft downstream 

and inline 

TTI Test No. ...................... 690900-ATC23 

Test Date............................ 2021-07-16 

Test Article 

Type ................................... Support Structure—Sign Support 

Name ................................. SafeSignTM Support System 

Installation Height............... 84 inches to bottom of sign panel 

Material or Key Elements.... 72 inches x 144 inches Aluminum multipanel sign 

Soil Type and Condition...... 4-inch square tube supports 

AASHTO M147-65(2004), grading D Soil 

Test Vehicle (crushed concrete), damp 

Type/Designation................ 2270P 

Location/Orientation........... 13 inches to right of 

vehicle centerline 

Kinetic Energy..................... 691-kip ft 

Exit Conditions 

Speed ................................ 62.1 mi/h 

Exit Angle........................... 0° 

Occupant Risk Values

Longitudinal OIV ................ 3.4 ft/s 

Lateral OIV......................... 0.7 ft/s 

Longitudinal Ridedown....... 0.1 g 

Lateral Ridedown ............... 0.3 g 

THIV .................................. 1.1 m/s 

ASI..................................... 0.2 

Vehicle Stability

Maximum Roll Angle ................. 4° 

Maximum Pitch Angle ............... 1° 

Maximum Yaw Angle ................ 1° 

Test Article Debris Scatter 

Longitudinal .............................. 228 ft downstream 

Lateral....................................... 10 ft to right of center 

Vehicle Damage

VDS .......................................... 12FR2 

CDC.......................................... 12FREN2 

Max. Exterior Deformation......... 6.0 inches 

Make and Model................. 2015 RAM 1500 Pickup 

Curb ................................... 4940 lb 

Max. 0.050-s Average 

Longitudinal .................... −1.4 g

OCDI......................................... RF0000000 

Max. Occupant Compartment 

Test Inertial......................... 5031 lb 

Dummy............................... No dummy 

Lateral ............................ 0.4 g 

Vertical ........................... −0.8 g

Deformation ........................... None 

Gross Static........................ 5031 lb 

Figure 7.5. Summary of Results for MASH Test 3-62 on SafeSignTM Support System. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

TR No. 690900-ATC21-23 44 2021-10-12