Revised January 6, 2012

Guide Specification for Safety EdgeSM

DESCRIPTION

Incorporate a Safety EdgeSM to the dimensions shown and at locations designated on the 

contract documents.  The finished shape of the Safety EdgeSM shall conform to the cross‐

section drawings shown in Exhibit A and Exhibit B. 

2 in. Min.

Edge of

Pavement

H

5 in.

Approx.

Shoulder

Backing

Material

Note 1*: Recommended Rise to Run ratio range 1:1.2 to 1:2.0. The range of slope is equal to 26° to 40°. 

Exhibit A.  Safety EdgeSM configuration for concrete pavements and concrete overlays.

For single lift overlay 

Edge of

Pavement

H

Shoulder

Backing

Material

For H ≤ 5 in. 

1
 
       

For H > 5 in. 

  

  

Revised January 6, 2012

Note 1*: Recommended Rise to Run ratio range 1:1.2 to 1:2.0. The range of slope is equal 

to 26° to 40°. 

Exhibit B.  Safety EdgeSM configurations for asphalt pavements and asphalt overlays.   

EQUIPMENT

A. Asphalt Concrete Pavement (AC)

Utilize an approved Safety EdgeSM system to create a sloped edge profile onto the roadway 

shoulder. Utilize an approved Safety EdgeSM system that compacts the AC and provides a 

sloped wedge equal to1:1.2 to 1:2.0 measured from the pavement surface cross slope 

extended. The use of a single plate strike off is not allowed.  The Safety EdgeSM shall be

constructed monolithically with the AC pavement.

Utilize an approved Safety EdgeSM system that is adjustable to accommodate varying paving 

thicknesses.

All Safety EdgeSM systems to be used for the purpose of creating a Safety EdgeSM must meet

the approval of the Engineer.  The Engineer may require proof that the system has been 

used on previous projects with acceptable results or may require a test section constructed 

prior to the beginning of work to demonstrate the edge shape and compaction to the 

satisfaction of the Engineer. 

B. Portland Cement Concrete

Modify paver screed to create a Safety EdgeSM that meets the final cross‐section as detailed

on the plans. 

2
 
       

   

       

   

       

AC

Portland    Cement Concrete

Revised January 6, 2012

CONSTRUCTION METHODS
 

A. Shoulder Preparation

Prior to  placing  asphalt  or concrete  pavement,  prepare  the  shoulder  material  where  the 

Safety EdgeSM will be placed to provide a foundation that will support the placement of the

Safety EdgeSM in accordance with the owner agency’s standard practice. 

B. AC Density Adjacent to Safety EdgeSM

For AC  pavements and  overlays,  the  percent  compaction of  the AC adjacent  to the Safety

EdgeSM shall  be  in  accordance  with  the  owner  agency  unconfined  longitudinal  edge 

specification.  

C. Shoulder Backing Material

Furnish,  place  and  compact  shoulder backing material  to the top of  the  Safety EdgeSM  as

shown in Exhibits A and B in accordance with the owner agency specifications.  

D. Handwork

Obtain approval in advance from the Engineer for short sections of handwork such as 

transitions at driveways, intersections, interchanges, and bridges. 

In areas that do not require a Safety EdgeSM, e.g., intersections, bridges, etc., it is acceptable

to saw cut and remove the Safety EdgeSM after paving operations are completed.  In areas

where it is not possible to place the Safety EdgeSM in conjunction with mainline paving but

where the Safety EdgeSM is desired, the Engineer may allow handwork for short sections, 

for example at driveway transitions, intersections, interchanges, etc.

METHOD OF MEASUREMENT

Safety EdgeSM will not be measured for payment. 

BASIS OF PAYMENT

No  separate  payment  will  be  made  for  the  construction of  the  Safety  EdgeSM.  All  work 

associated in  the  Safety  EdgeSM construction shall  be integral  to  the  pavement work  and

shall be included in the contract pricing for those pay items. 

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