US. Deportment 

of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

Washington , D.C. 20590 

Federal Highway 

Admlnlst ration 

December 18, 2015 In Reply Refer To: 

HSST/CC-87D 

Mr. Bret Eckert P.E. 

Engineering Applications Manager 

Trinity Highway Products 

3617 Cinciru1ati A venue 

Rocklin, CA. 95677 

Dear Mr. Eckert: 

This letter is in response to your August I. 2014 request for the Federal Highway Administration 

(Fl I W /\) to review a roadside safety device. hardware, or system for eligibility for 

reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway program. This FHW J\ leller of eligibility is 

assigned FHWA control number CC-870 and is valid until a subsequent letter is issued by 

Fl 1WA that expressly reforcnccs this device. 

Decision 

The following devices are eligible, with details provided in the form which is attached as an 

integral part of this letter: 

•QUEST System Modification 

Scope of this Letter 

To be fou nd eligible for Federal-aid funding, modified roadside safety devices should meet the 

crash test and evaluation criteria contained in the National Cooperative Highway Research 

Program (NCI IRP) Repo11 350. However. the FHW A. the Department of Transponation, 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, 

ccrti fication or endorsement of the device for any particular purpose or use. 

This letter is not a determination by the Fl IWA, the Department ofTransportation, or the United 

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

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

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

tested. 
2 

This finding ofeligibility is limited to the crashworthiness ofthe system and does not cover other 

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

Eligibility for Reimbursement 

FHW A previously issued an eligibility letter for the roadside safety system described in your 

pending request. Your pending request now identifies a modification to that roadside safety 

system. 

The original roadside safety device information is provided here: 

Name ofsystem: QUEST1

m 

Type of system: Crash Cushion 

Date oforiginal request: January 28, 2005 

Date oforiginal FHWA eligibility letter: February 17, 2005 

FHW A Control number: HSA-1 O/CC-87 

The pending modification(s) consists of the following changes: 

1. 	 Elimination ofseparate Product and Assembly manuals and provides a singular Product 

Description Assembly Manual for the QUEST System family. 

FHW A concurs with the recommendation of the accredited crash testing laboratory as stated 

within the attached form. 

Full Description of the Eligible Device 

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

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

form. 

Notice 

Ifa manufacturer makes any modification to any of their roadside safety hardware that has an 

existing eligibility letter from FHWA, the manufacturer must notify FHWA of such modification 

with a request for continued eligibility for reimbursement. The notice of all modifications to a 

device must be accompanied by: 

o 	 Significant modifications - For these modifications, crash test results must be 

submitted with accompanying documentation and videos. 

o 	 Non-signification modifications - For these modifications, a statement from the 

crash test laboratory on the potential effect of the modification on the ability of 

the device to meet the relevant crash test criteria. 
3 

FHW A's determination of continued eligibility for the modified hardware will be based 

on whether the modified hardware wilJ continue to meet the relevant crash test criteria. 

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 the NCHRP Report 350. 

Issuance ofthis 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. 

Standard Provisions 

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

control number CC-870 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 FHW A to use, 

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

• 	 Ifthe subject device is a patented product it may be considered to be proprietary. If 

proprietary systems are specified by a highway agency for use on Federal-aid projects: 

(a) they must be supplied through competitive bidding with equally suitable unpatented 

items; (b) the highway agency must certify that they are essential for synchronization 

with the existing highway facilities or that no equally suitable alternative exists; or (c) 

they must be used for research or for a distinctive type of construction on relatively short 

sections of road for experimental purposes. 
4 

Our regulations concerning proprietary products arc contained in Title 23. Code of Federal 

Regulations. Section 635.411. 

Sincerely yours, 

Michael S. Griffith 

Director, Office of Safety Technologies 

Office of Safety 

Enclosures 
Version 7.2 (03/14) 

Page 2 of 4 

Request for Federal Aid Reimbursement Eligibility 

OfHighway Safety Hardware 

Date of Request: August 01, 2014 I r. New r Resubmission 

Name: Bret Eckert, P.E. 

... 

cu Company: Trinity Highway 

~ 

E 

.Cl 

::I 

Cl) 

Address: 

Country: 

3617 Cincinnati Ave. Rocklin, CA 95765 

USA 

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. 

IHelp I 

System Type Submission Type Device Name I Variant Testing Criterion Test 

Level 

'CC': Crash Cushions, 

Attenuators, & Terminals 

r. Physical Crash Testing 

r FEA & V&V Analysis 

QUEST System 

NCHRP Report 350 TL3 

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 NCHRP Report 350 (Report 350) and that 

the evaluation results meet the appropriate evaluation criteria in the Report 350. 

Identification of the individual or organization responsible for the product: 

Contact Name: Barry Stephens, P.E. Same as Submitter D 

Company Name: Trinity Highway Same as Submitter 181 

Address: 3617 Cincinnati Ave. Rocklin, CA 95765 Same as Submitter 181 

Country: USA Same as Submitter 181 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 


r New Hardware r-o Modification to IN s· 'fi Eff . . . I . I ,. E . t' H d on­ 1gn1 icant ­ ect 1s pos1t1ve or nconsequent1a xis mg ar ware 

The QUEST is a redirective, non-gating crash cushion described in FHWA Acceptance Letter CC-35 series. The 

QUEST Systems utilize a combination of tubular rails and shaper rail assemblies within a support framework and 

w-beam side panels. This inconsequential component modification eliminates separate Product and Assembly 

manuals and provides a singular Product Description Assembly Manual for the QUEST System family. In 

addition, the layout ofthe manual is changed to the current Trinity Highway format. 

This component modification for the revision ofthe QUEST System Product and Assembly manuals is 

considered Non-Significant and will have an Inconsequential effect. 

CRASH TESTING 

A brief description of each crash test and its result: 
Version 7.2 (03/14) 

Page 3 of 4 

Required Test 

Number 

Narrative 

Description Evaluation Results 

3-30 (820() No changes to the actual QUEST System product have occurred. All 

changes are limited to the QUEST System manual documents. WAIVER REQUESTED 

S3-30 (700( Not Applicable 

3-31 (2000P) No changes to the actual QUEST System product have occurred. All 

changes are limited to the QUEST System manual documents. WAIVER REQUESTED 

3-32 (820() No changes to the actual QUEST System product have occurred. All 

changes are limited to the QUEST System manual documents. WAIVER REQUESTED 

S3-32 (700() Not Applicable 

3-33 (2000P) No changes to the actual QUEST System product have occurred. All 

changes are limited to the QUEST System manual documents. WAIVER REQUESTED 

3-34 (820() No changes to the actual QUEST System product have occurred. All 

changes are limited to the QUEST System manual documents. WAIVER REQUESTED 

S3-34 (700() Not Applicable 

3-35 (2000P) No changes to the actual QUEST System product have occurred. All 

changes are limited to the QUEST System manual documents. WAIVER REQUESTED 

3-36 (820() No changes to the actual QUEST System product have occurred. All 

changes are limited to the QUEST System manual documents. WAIVER REQUESTED 

S3-36 (700() Not Applicable 

3-37 (2000P) No changes to the actual QUEST System product have occurred. All 

changes are limited to the QUEST System manual documents. WAIVER REQUESTED 

3-38 (2000P) No changes to the actual QUEST System product have occurred. All 

changes are limited to the QUEST System manual documents. WAIVER REQUESTED 

3-39 (2000P) No changes to the actual QUEST System product have occurred. All 

changes are limited to the QUEST System manual documents. WAIVER REQUESTED 

3-40 (2000P) Not Applicable 

S3-40 (700() Not Applicable 

3-41 (2000P) Not Applicable 

3-42 (820() Not Applicable 

S3-42 (700() Not Applicable 

3-43 (2000P) Not Applicable 

3-44 (2000P) Not Applicable 

Full Scale Crash Testing was done in compliance with Report 350 by the following accredited crash test 

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

Testing Laboratory's signature concurs that these modification

effect is positive or inconsequential. 

s are considered Non-Significant and the 

Laboratory Contact Signature: john.laturner@trin.net ~~r;,~a.~:a.uwt 

0N(IM~~·N( 

~l014i:llOl IHJJt4'W 

Laboratory Name: E-Tech Testing Services, Inc. 

Laboratory Contact: John LaTurner, P.E. Same as Submitter D 

Address: 3617 B Cincinnati Ave. 

Rocklin, CA 95765 Same as Submitter D 

Country: USA Same as Submitter 181 

Accreditation Certificate 

Number and Date: 

A2LA Certificate# 989.01 

Expiration Date: 11/30/2015 
Version 7.2 (03/14) 

Page 4 of 4 

°"O ullys'QNdby "tt s· .. bret.eckert@trin. btrt t< tn•v.,~ S b u m1 er 1gnature : DU cn..-bret..ttbrttJmn ntt net o .. tr 101 , _oa.0112:S0-• 6 0100· 

Submit Form 

ATTACHMENTS 

Attach to this form: 

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

support of this request. 

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

[I lard ware Guide Drawing Swndards]. 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 key to understanding the pcrfomrnnce of the device should also be submined to facilitate our 

review. 

FHWA Official Business Only: 

Eligibility Let ter AASHTO TF13 

Number Date Designator Key Words 
~ E-TECHTesti11gS1:n·ius )6178 Cu:cinnati ,fr.,nut: '7 1 ....,...,, 

RocJ:lu1. CA 95765 .......,. 

hone· 916-644-9101 

916·645-)65) 

December 14, 2015 

Mr. William P. Longstreet 

Highway Engineer, Safety Design Team 

Office of Safety Technologies, Rm E71-107 

Federal Highway Administration 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Re: Clarification for QUEST® FHWA 

Mr. Longstreet, 

Thank you for discussing the QUEST® Eligibility Form discrepancy discovered via phone. The 

submitter of the form (Trinity Highway) inadvertently referenced the incorrect FHWA 

correspondence. FHWA Acceptance Letter CC-35 was noted but it should have read CC-87: 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 

r- N H d r.:- Modification to IN s· 'f' Eff . . . I t' I l ew ar ware l • E . . H d on- 1gn1 1cant - ect 1s pos1t1ve or nco,i;isequen 1a 

1--~~~~~~~~~~~~~

x1st1ng ~~~-ar ware CC-871 ~~=--~ 

The QUEST is a redirective, non-ga ting cra sh cushion described in FHWA Acceptance Letter ¢ 5 series. The 

QUEST Systems utilize a combination of tubular rails and shaper rail assemblies within a support framework and 

w-beam side panels. This inconsequential component modification eliminates separate Product and Assembly 

manuals and provides a singular Product Description Assembly Manual for the QUEST System family. In 

addition, the layout of the manual is changed to the current Trinity Highway format. 

This component modification for the revision of the QUEST System Product and Assembly manuals is 

considered Non-Significant and will have an inconsequential effect. 

The remainder of the document appears to be accurate. Please advise if any further 

clarification is required. Thanks again for point out this discrepancy. 

Best regards, 

'P~~~ 

Paul L. Kruse, PE 

E-TECH Manager 

paul.kruse@trin.net 

2015-12-14 ETECH Update Letter to FHWA.docx - Poge 1 of1 
TRINITY 

3617 Cincinnati Ave, Rocklin, CA 95765 

(916) 645-8181 Fax No (916) 645-3495 

October 30, 2015 

Mr. William P. Longstreet 

Highway Engineer, Safety Design Team 

Office of Safety Technologies, Rm E71-107 

Federal Highway Administration 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Re: QUEST® Disclosure of Financial Interest, FHWA Review for Eligibility Letter 

Mr. Longstreet, 

On behalf of Trinity Highway Products, LLC ("THP"), I am responding to your 

email re~uesting details of any financial interest that the crash test laboratory has in the 

QUES~system, manufactured by THP. 

As noted in THP's request for eligibility for reimbursement under the Federal-aid 

highway program for this product, the QUEST® system was previously deemed eligible 

by the FHWA, pursuant to HSA-1 O/CC-87 and HSA-1 O/CC-87 A. 

The QUEST® technology is the commercial embodiment of intellectual property 

that is protected by patents that are owned by THP. THP does not pay royalties for 

sales of the QUEST® system. The QUEST® system was designed and developed by 

engineers at Energy Absorption Systems Inc. (EAS). The patent holders of record for 

the QUEST® system are John F. LaTurner, Michael H. Oberth, and Douglas E. 

Wilkinson and all, Mr. LaTurner, Mr. Oberth as well as Mr. Wilkinson, were employed by 

EAS. The associated United States Patent Office patent application numbers 

(7,396, 184, 7,484,906 & 7,758,277) are assigned to Energy Absorption Systems, Inc. I 

Trinity Industries, Inc. 

EAS sponsored certain crash tests of the QUEST® system; such tests were 

conducted by E-Tech Testing Services, an independent, wholly-owned subsidiary of 

THP. E-Tech Testing Services is an International Standards Organization ("ISO") 

17025 accredited laboratory with American Association for Laboratory Accreditation 

(A2LA) Mechanical Testing certificate 989.01. Full-scale crash testing on the QUEST® 

system was performed in accordance with testing criteria, as set forth by the National 

Cooperative Highway Research Program ("NCHRP") in the NCHRP Report 350 (1993). 
Please advise if further information is required by the FHWA. We look forward 

to continuing to work with the FHWA in regards to the QUEST® and other Roadside 

Safety Hardware. 

Sincerely, 

Bret Eckert, P.E. 

Engineering Applications Manager 

Trinity Highway 

Office 916-644-9131 

bret.eckert@trin.net 
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