June 23,2021 

Bret R. Eckert

Trinity Highway Products, LLC

3617 Cincinnati Ave.

Rocklin, CA 95765 

USA 

Dear Mr Eckert:

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE

Washington, D.C. 20590

In Reply Refer To: 

HSST-1/CC-169 

This letter is in response to your April 29, 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 CC-169 and is valid until a subsequent letter is issued by 

FHWA that expressly references this device.

Decision

The following device is eligible within the length-of-need, with details provided in the form 

which is attached as an integral part of this letter:

• REACT M

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: REACT M

Type of system: Crash Cushion 

Test Level: Test Level 3 

Testing conducted by: KARCO Engineering, INC 

Date of request: April 29, 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 CC-169 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,

Enclosures 

Michael S. Griffith

Director, Office of Safety Technologies 

Office of Safety
Version 10.0 (05/16)

 

Request for Federal Aid Reimbursement Eligibility

of Highway Safety Hardware 

Submitter Date of Request: New Resubmission

Name:

Company:

Address:

Country:

To: Michael S. Griffith, Director

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 1 of 8 

April 29, 2021 I  ('

Bret R. Eckert, P.E. 

Trinity Highway Prod ucts, LLC 

3617 Cincinnati Ave., Rocklin, CA 95765 

USA 

Device & Testing Criterion - Enter from right to left starting with Test Level I 1 - 1 - 1 I 

System Type Submission Type Device Name / Variant Testing Criterion Test 

Level 

'CC': Crash Cushions, (e Physical Crash Testing AASHTO MASH TL3 

REACf'"' M Attenuators, & Terminals  Engineering Analysis

Contact Name: Bret R. Eckert, P.E. Same as Submitter 

Company Name: Trinity Highway Products, LLC Same as Submitter ~ 

Address: 3617 Cincinnati Ave., Rocklin, CA 95765 Same as Submitter ~ 

Country: USA Same as Submitter ~ 

The REACrM M system technology is the comm ercial embodiment of intellectual property that is protected by 

patents owned by Trinity Highway Products, LLC ("THP"). THP does not pay royalties for sales of the REACT'" M. 

The REACTM M system was designed and developed by engineers and employees at THP. The patent holders of 

record for the REACT"' M system are Michael J. Buehler, P.E. and Aaron J. Cox, P.E.; both of whom are employed 

by THP. The associated United States patent numbers 8,974,142 {Dated March 1 0, 2015), 10,006, 1 79 (Dated June 

26, 2018), and other patents pending that are assigned to Energy Absorption Systems, Inc., a fully owned 

subsidiary ofTHP. 

Appl us IDIADA KARCO Engineering, LLC {KARCO) conducted the certification tests of the REACT'M M system. 

KAR CO is an internationally accredited third party crash testing laboratory. Physical crash testing of the REACT'M 

M system was performed in accorda nee with testing criteria set forth by the American Association of State 

Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) in the Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware ("MASH") (2016). 

Other than fees paid to KARCO to conduct the tests and then analyze and report the test results, KARCO and THP 

do not share financial interests. The fees paid to KARCO were not dependent or contingent on the results of the 

tests. 
Version 10.0 (05/16)

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

CRASH TESTING

Engineer Name:

Address:

Country:

A brief description of each crash test and its result:

 New Hardware or

Significant Modification 

 Modification to

Existing Hardware 

Page 2 of 8 

The REACT'"' M system is a redirective, non-gating, crash cushion that consists of six high density polyethylene 

(HDPE) cylinders attached to a steel backup and basetrack assembly. The REACT'"' M system HDPE cylinders are 

designed to compress during head-on impacts and redirect vehicles during angled impacts into the side of the 

system. The system basetrack has parallel rails that control the rearward compressing action and resist lateral 

movement during side angled impacts. The REACr·· M system includes a self-contained back-up structure that 

is designed to resist movement during head-on and side impacts. The REACT"' M system has shown selfrestoring characteristics when impacted within MASH 16 crash test standards. 

The REACT'" M system has an overall length of 22'-2 3/4" and overall height of is 52 3/4". The REACT"' M system 

is configured with a back-up designed to shield fixed objects up to 30" wide. The system uses two thicknesses 

of 36" outside diameter HDPE cylinders and HDPE laminates within certain HDPE cylinders. The structural 

portions of the REACT., M consist of backup, basetrack and diaphragms that are hot-dipped galvanized steel. 

These components are manufactured from ASTM A36 or ASTM AS00 Grade B steel. The REACT''" M utilizes 3/4" 

diameter cable assembles to help provide vehicle redirection. 

The REACT'"' M may be placed on reinforced concrete pad substrates with approved anchors and adhesive. A 

lightweight placard with reflective sheeting is attached to the first HDPE cylinder. Lightweight reflector 

markers are also attached to the sides of the HDPE cylinders. During MASH 2016 Test 3-37a, the REACTrr,. M 

was tested with a transition to concrete barrier which is representative of typical concrete barrier in use on the 

NHS. 

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. 

Steven Matsusaka 

Engineer Signature: 

9270 Holly Road, Adelanto, CA 92301 

USA 

Same as Submitter 0 

Same as Submitter 
Version 10.0 (05/16)

Page 3 of 8

Required Test

Number

Narrative 

Description

Evaluation

Results

3-30 (1lO0C)

Applus IDIADA KARCO Test No. P39099 -01.

Test Date February 24, 2020. Crash Test

Report No. TR-P39099-01-NC for MASH Test

3-30 Crash Test ofTrinity Highway Products

TL-3 REACTTM M.

The crash cushion was impacted by a 2015

Kia Rio 4-door sedan. The test vehicle

impacted the TL-3 REACTTM M Crash Cushion

at a velocity of 63.06 mph (101.48 km/h)

and at an impact angle of 0.1°, and a quarter

vehicle width offset. Upon impact the

vehicle's kinetic energy was absorbed by

the system as the TL-3 REACTTM M cylinders

were compressed. The TL-3 REAC TTM M 

Crash Cushion brought the vehicle to a 

complete stop with a maximum Occupant

Impact Velocity (OIV) of 39.4 ft/s (12.0 m/s)

and a maximum ridedown acceleration of

-14.9 g. Damage to the vehicle was

concentrated at its front end without

penetration or significant deformation into

the occupant compartment.

The Trinity Highway Products TL-3 REA CTTM 

M Crash Cushion met all the requirements

for MASH 2016 Test 3-30.

PASS

3-31 (2270P)

Applus IDIADA KARCO Test No. P391 00-02.

Test Date March 9, 2020. Crash Test Report

No. TR-P39100-02-NC for MASH Test 3-31

Crash Test ofTrinity Highway Products TL-3 

REACTTM M.

The crash cushion was impacted by a 2016

RAM 1500 4-door pick-up truck. The test

vehicle impacted the TL-3 REACTTM M Crash

Cushion at a velocity of 61.07 mph (9 8.28

km/h) and at an impact angle of 0.3°. Upon

impact the vehicle's kinetic energy was

absorbed by the system as the TL-3 REACTTM

M cylinders were compressed . The TL-3 

REACTTM M Crash Cushion brought the

vehicle to a complete stop with a maximum

Occupant Impact Velocity (OIV) of 31.2 ft/s

(9.5 mis) and a maximum ridedown

acceleration of -20.1 g. Damage to the

vehicle was concentrated at its front end

without penetration or significant

deformation into the occupant

compartment.

The Trinity Highway Products TL-3 REACTTM

M Crash Cushion met all the requirements

for MASH 2016 Test 3-31.

PASS
Version 10.0 (05/16)

Page 4 of 8

Required Test

Number

Narrative 

Description

Evaluation

Results

3-32 (1lO0C)

Applus IDIADA KARCO Test No. P39 101-0l.

Test Date January 27, 2020. Crash Test

Report No. TR-P39101-01-NC for MASH Test

3-32 Crash Test ofTrinity Highway Products

TL-3 REACTTM M.

The crash cushion was impacted by a 2016

Kia Rio 4-door sedan. The test vehicle

impacted the TL-3 REACTTM M Crash Cushion

at a velocity of 60.96 mph (98.10 km/h) and

at an impact angle of 15.1°. Upon impact

the vehicle's kinetic energy was absorbed

by the system as the TL-3 REAC TTM M 

cylinders were compressed. The TL-3

REAC TTM M Crash Cushion brought the

vehicle to a complete stop with a maximum

Occupant Impact Velocity (OIV) of 26.9 ft/s

(8.2 m/s) and a maximum ridedown

acceleration of -12.9 g. Damage to the

vehicle was concentrated at its front end

without penetration or significant

deformation into the occupant

compartment.

The Trinity Highway Products TL-3 REA CTTM 

M Crash Cushion met all the requirements

for MASH 2016 Test 3-32.

PASS

3-33 (2270P)

Applus IDIADA KARCO Test No. P391 02-02.

Test Date March 16, 2020. Crash Test Report

No. TR-P39102-02-NC for MASH Test 3-33

Crash Test ofTrinity Highway Products TL-3 

REACTTM M.

The crash cushion was impacted by a 2014

RAM 1500 4-door pickup truck. The test

vehicle impacted the TL-3 REACTTM M Crash

Cushion at a velocity of 62.76 mph (101.00

km/h) and at an impact angle of 14.5°.

Upon impact the vehicle's kinetic energy

was absorbed by the system as the TL-3 

REACTTM M cylinders were compress ed. The

TL-3 REACTTM M Crash Cushion brought the

vehicle to a complete stop with a maximum 

Occupant Impact Velocity (OIV) of 32.8 ft/s

(10.0 mis) and a maximum ridedown

acceleration of-17.4 g. Damage to the

vehicle was concentrated at its front end

without penetration or significant 

deformation into the occupant

compartment.

The Trinity Highway Products TL-3 REACTTM

M Crash Cushion met all the requirements

for MASH 2016 Test 3-33.

PASS
Version 10.0 (05/16)

Page 5 of 8

3-34 (1100C)

Applus IDIADA KARCO Test No. P39103-01 .

Test Date March 11, 2020. Crash Test Report

No. TR-P39103-01-NC for MASH Test 3-34

Crash Test ofTrinity Highway Products TL-3 

REACTTM M.

The crash cushion was impacted by a 2016

Kia Rio 4-door sedan. The test vehicle

impacted the TL-3 REACTTM M Crash Cushion

at a velocity of 61.85 mph (99.54 km/h) and

at an impact angle of 15.1°. The TL-3 

REACTTM M Crash Cushion contained and

redirected the test vehicle with a maximum

Occupant Impact Velocity (OIV) of 22.0 ft/s

(6.7 mis) and a maximum ridedown

acceleration of-9.3 g. Damage to the

vehicle was concentrated at its front right

quarter without penetration or significant

deformation into the occupant

compartment.

The Trinity Highway Products TL-3 REACTTM

M Crash Cushion met all the requirements

for MASH 2016 Test 3-34.

PASS

3-35 (2270P)

Applus IDIADA KARCO Test No. P39104-05.

Test Date December 17, 2019. Crash Test

Report No.TR-P39104-05-NC for MASH Test

3-35 Crash Test ofTrinity Highway Products

TL-3 REACTTM M.

The crash cushion was impacted by a 2015

RAM 1500 4-door pickup truck. The test

vehicle impacted the TL-3 REACTTM M Crash

Cushion at a velocity of 65.30 mph (105.09

km/h) and at an impact angle of 24.9°. The

TL-3 REACTTM M Crash Cushion contained

and redirected the test vehicle with a

maximum Occupant Impact Velocity (OIV)

of 28.9 ft/s (8.8 mis) and a maximum

ridedown acceleration of -12.7 g. Damage

to the vehicle was concentrated at its front

left quarter without penetration or 

significant deformation into the occupant

compartment.

The Trinity Highway Products TL-3 REA CTTM

M Crash Cushion met all the requirements

for MASH 2016 Test 3-35.

PASS
Version 10.0 (05/16)

Page 6 of 8

3-36 (2270P)

Applus IDIADA KARCO Test No. P39105-02 .

Test Date September 30, 2019. Crash Test

Report No. TR-P39105-02-NC for MASH Test

3-36 Crash Test ofTrinity Highway Products

TL-3 REACTTM M .

The crash cushion was impacted by a 2013

RAM 1500 4-door pickup truck. The test

vehicle impacted the TL-3 REACTTM M Crash

Cushion at a velocity of 62.1O mph (99.94

km/h) and at an impact angle of 24.5°. The

TL-3 REACTTM M Crash Cushion contained

and redirected the test vehicle with a

maximum Occupant Impact Velocity (OIV)

of 31.8 ft/s (9.7 mis) and a maximum

ridedown acceleration of-9.9 g. Damage to

the vehicle was concentrated at its front left 

quarter without penetration or significant

deformation into the occupant

compartment.

The Trinity Highway Products TL-3 REACTTM

M Crash Cushion met all the requirements

for MASH 2016 Test 3-36.

PASS

3-37a (2270P)

Applus IDIADA KARCO Test No. P39106-05.

Test Date August 6, 2020. Crash Test Report

No. TR-P39106-05-NC for MASH Test 3-37a

Crash Test ofTrinity Highway Products TL-3 

REACTTM M.

The transition was impacted by a 2015 RAM

1500 4-door pickup truck. The test vehicle

impacted the TL-3 REACTTM M Transition to

Vertical Wall Barrier at a velocity of 62.41

mph (100.44 km/h) and at an impact angle

of 25.9°. The transition contained and

redirected the test vehicle with a maximum

Occupant Impact Velocity (OIV) of 27.6 ft/s

(8.4 mis) and a maximum ridedown

acceleration of -10.0 g. Damage to the

vehicle was concentrated at its front right 

quarter without penetration or significant 

deformation into the occupant

compartment.

The Trinity Highway Products TL-3 REACTTM

M Transition to Vertical Wall Barrier met all

the requirements for MASH 2016 Test 3-37a.

PASS
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.):

Laboratory Name:

Address:

Country:

Accreditation Certificate

Number and Dates of current

Accreditation period : 

Page 7 of 8 

Applus IDIADA KARCO Test No. P40248-01. 

Test Date September 3, 2020. Crash Test 

Report No. TR-P40248-01-NC for MASH Test 

3-38 Crash Test ofTrinity Highway Products 

TL-3 REACT"' M. 

The crash cushion was impacted by a 2014 

Chevrolet Malibu 4-door sedan. The test 

vehicle impacted the TL-3 REACT"'• M Crash 

Cushion at a velocity of 61.58 mph (99.10 

km/h) and at an impact angle of0.0°. Upon 

impact, the vehicle's kinetic energy was 

absorbed by the system as the REACT'~ M 

3-38(1500A) Cylinders were compressed. The TL-3 PASS 

REACT'M M Crash Cushion brought the 

vehicle to a complete stop with a maximum 

Occupant Impact Velocity (OIV) of 35.1 ft/s 

(10.7 mis) and a maximum ridedown 

acceleration of -16.1 g. Damage to the 

vehicle was concentrated at its front end 

without penetration or significant 

deformation into the occupant 

compartment. 

The Trinity Highway Products TL-3 REACT'M 

M Crash Cushion met all the requirements 

for MASH 2016 Test 3-38. 

3-40 ( 11 00C) Per MASH, this test intended for no11- Non-Relevant Test, not conducted 

redirective crash cushions. 

3-41 (22 ?OP) Per MASH, this test intended for no11- Non-Relevant Test, not conducted 

redirective crash cushions. 

3-42(1100() Per MASH, this test intended for no11- Non-Relevant Test, not conducted 

redirective crash cushions. 

3-43 (2270P) Per MASH, this test intended for no11- Non-Relevant Test, not conducted 

redirective crash cushions. 

3-44 (2270P) Per MASH, this test intended for no11- Non-Relevant Test, not conducted 

redirective crash cushions. 

3-45 (1500A) Per MASH, this test intended for no11- Non-Relevant Test, not conducted 

redirective crash cushions. 

KARCO Engineering, INC 

Laboratory Signature: 

9270 Holly Road, Adelanto, CA 92301 Same as Submitter 

USA Same as Submitter 

nternational Accreditation Services (IAS) 

ISO 17025 Accreditation Certificate #TL-371 

Expires July 1, 2022 
Version 10.0 (05/16)

Attach to this form:

ATTACHMENTS

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

Page 8 of 8 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 
INTENDED USE

The REACTTM M system is a redirective, non-gating, crash cushion designed to shield fixed

hazards up to 30" wide. The REACTTM M system is designed to offer impact protection for 

both MASH light and heavy vehicles and shield hazards such as gore areas and bifurcations. 

It is effective against head-on and redirection impacts at typical highway speeds. The 

REACTTM M system has been shown to provide self-restoring characteristics when 

impacted within MASH 2016 crash test standards. 

FEATURES

The REACTTM M system consists of six high density polyethylene (HDPE) cylinders 

attached to a galvanized steel backup and basetrack assembly. The REACTTM M system's 

HDPE cylinders are designed to compress during head-on impacts and redirect vehicles 

away from the shielded hazard for impacts along the side of the system. The REACTTM M 

is eligible for federal reimbursement as a MASH Test Level 3 crash cushion. The system 

uses two thicknesses of 36" outside diameter HDPE cylinders and HDPE laminates within 

certain HDPE cylinders. The structural portions of the REACTTM M consist of backup, 

basetrack and diaphragms that are hot-dipped galvanized steel.. The REACTTM M utilizes 

3/4" diameter cable assemblies designed to assist with vehicle redirection performance. 

Lightweight reflector markers may also be attached to the sides of the HDPE cylinders to

provide additional delineation per customer requirements. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Length: 267 [6781mm] nominal 

Width: 36 [914mm] nominal 

Height: 53 [1346mm] nominal 

Weight: 4928 lb [2235 kg] nominal 

ELIGIBILITY

The REACTTM M has been tested in conformance to MASH 2016 Test Level 3 and is eligible for

Federal reimbursement by FHWA.

FHWA Eligibility Letter(s): CC-XXX dated for MASH 2016 Test Level 3. 

REFERENCES

Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH), American Association of State Highway and

Transportation Officials (AASHTO), 2016. 

CONTACT INFORMATION 

15601 Dallas Parkway, Suite 525 

Addison, TX 75001 

Telephone: (888) 323-6374 

Fax: (800) 770-6755 

https://trinityhighway.com 

REACTTM M 

SCI###

SHEET NO. DATE

2 of 2 12/9/2020 

  FE-051 Rev E, 8/31/1