U.S. Deportment 

of Transportation 

Federal Highway 

Administration 

Mr. James Young 

Franklin Industries Co. 

645 Atlantic Ave. 

Franklin, PA 16323 

Dear Mr. Young: 

This letter is in response to your September I. 20 15 request for the Federal 1 lighway 

Administration (Fl IWA) to rcviev.i a roadside safety device. hardware, or system for eligibility 

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

assigned FHWA control number SS-67 A and is valid until a subsequent letter is issued by 

FHW A that expressly rcforcnecs this device. 

March 4. 2016 

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

In Reply Refer To: 

HSST/SS-67 /\ 

Decision 

The following devices arc eligible, with details provided in the form which is auached as an 

integral part of this letter: 

Franklin Base Bolted Sign Support (Franklin Splice) 

Scope of this Letter 

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

crash test and evaluation criteria contained in the National Cooperati ve Highway Research 

Program (NCHRP) Report 350. 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 or the device for any particular puq)ose or use. 

This letter is not a determinat ion by the r:J IW /\, the Department or Transportation, or the United 

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

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

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

tested. 

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

structurnl fea tures, nor conformity with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. 
Eligibility for Reimbursement 

FHWA 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 of system: Franklin Flanged-Channel Sign Support 

Type of system: Sign Support 

Date of original request: August l, 1996 

Date of original FHW A eligibility letter: September 9, 1996 

FHW A Control number: SS-67 

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

l. Use of a treaded spacer between the sign post and the base post 

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 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 

2 

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

existing eligibility letter from FHW A, 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. 

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

whether the modified hardware will 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. 
3 

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

This letter is based on the premise that in format ion and reports submitted by you arc accurate 

and corTect. We reserve the right to modi ry or revoke this letter if: (I) 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 Jetter was issued in etTOr or otherwise docs not reflect full and 

complete information about the crashworthincss of the system. 

Standard Provisions 

• To prevent 1T1isundcrstanding by others, lhis letter of eligibility designated as fl IWJ\ 

control number SS-67A 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 usc. 

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

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

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

(a) they must be supplied through competitive bidding with equall y suitable unpatentcd 

items; (b) the highway agency must certify that they arc 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. Our regulations concerning proprietary 

products are contained in Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 635.411. 

Enclosures 

Sincerely yours. 

Michael S. Griffith 

Director, Office of Safety Technologies 

Office of Safety 
Version 9.1 (11/15) 

Page 1 of 4 

Request for Federal Aid Reimbursement Eligibility 

of Highway Safety Hardware 

Date of Request: September 1, 2015 I (i' New r Resubmission 

Name: James Young 

... 

Cll 

t: ·e 

.a 

:J 

Cl) 

Company: 

Address: 

Franklin Industries Co. 

645 Atlantic Ave., Franklin, PA 16323 

Country: 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. 

11-1-11 

System Type Submission Type Device Name I Variant Testing Criterion Test 

Level 

'SS': Breakaway Sign 

Supports, Mailboxes, & -•'--· --~11 .,, __ ., .. ___ _._ 

r Physical Crash Testing 

(i' Engineering Analysis 

Franklin Base Bolted Sign 

Support (Franklin Splice) 

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: James Young Same as Submitter 0 

Company Name: Franklin Industries Co. Same as Submitter 0 

Address: 645 Atlantic Ave., Franklin, PA 16323 Same as Submitter 0 

Country: USA Same as Submitter 0 

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

Eligibility Process for Safety Hardware Devices' document. 

ITI was compensated for the analysis of sign support but has no other financial interests in the sign 

supports being submitted to FHWA for use on the National Highway System. No further compensation is 

being given to m. 

ITI understands financial interests, defined by FHWA, include but are not limited to -

(i) Compensation, including wages, salaries, commissions, professional fees, or fees for business referrals; 

(ii) Consulting relationships 

(iii) Research funding or other forms of research support; (See comment above) 

(iv) Patents, copyrights, and other intellectual property interests; 

(v) Licenses or contractual relationships; or 

(vi) Business ownership and investment Interests. 
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 

r New Hardware or 

Significant Modification (i Modification to • Existing Hardware 

IN s· .fi 

on- igni ican 

t 

Franklin produces LI-channel sign supports from 2 to 4 lb/ft which are used in a spliced, base and upright, 

system comprised of two generic non-threaded spacers and grade 9 bolts on 4" centers at ground level. The 

requested modification is to add the option of threaded spacers, should users so desire. Franklin received FHWA 

acceptance for non-threaded spacers based on testing by TII for ADOT, to AASHTO 1985 Guide criteria and 

NCH RP 230, in SS-20. Franklin's spliced system was re-certified to NCHRP 350 criteria by FHWA in SS-67, based 

on FHWA's Memorandum of July 25, 1997 titled "Identifying Acceptable Highway Safety Features". Franklin is 

seeking acceptance of threaded spacers (shown on the attached drawings) in addition to its already accepted 

non-threaded spacers. This change is non-significant 

Version 9.1 (11/15) 

Page 2 of 4 

CRASH TESTING 

A brief description of each crash test and its result: 

Required Test 

Number 

Narrative 

Description Evaluation Results 

3-60 (820() 

In test 7024-24 and 7024-26 ofReport HPR-PL-1-31 (202), TII 

tested generic spliced LI-channel systems for ADOT. Details of 

the tests are attached. Spliced connections used grade 9 bolts 

on 4 inch centers with non-threaded spacers. FHWA accepted 

Franklin sign supports for up to three 3 lb/ft and up to two 4 

lb/ft, in SS-20, based on this testing. Franklin's spliced system 

was re-certified to NCHRP 350 criteria by FHWA in SS-67, 

based on FHWA's Memorandum of July 2S, 1997 titled 

"Identifying Acceptable Highway Safety Features", on the 

basis that • ... Report 350 acceptance criteria are slightly less 

demanding than were the criteria in the 1985 or 1994 Support 

Specifications or the Report 230 guidelines, breakaway 

hardware meeting these earlier criteria do not have to be requalified to be accepted under Report 350 criteria". 

Franklin's spliced connection with threaded spacers will also 

be acceptable, as as the same bolts used in the previously 

accepted unthreaded spacer are used. Rupture of the bolts in 

the previous tests occurred under the head of the bolt or at 

the root of the threads. Similar performance is to be expected. 

Non-Critical, not conducted 

53-60 (700() per NCHRP 350, section3.1, these tests are optional Non-Critical, not conducted 
Required Test 

Number 

Narrative 

Description Evaluation Results 

3-61 (820C) 

In test 7024-25 and 7024-27 of Report HPR-PL-1-31 (202), TII 

tested generic spliced U-channel systems for ADOT. Details of 

the tests are attached. Spliced connections used grade 9 bolts 

on 4 inch centers with non-threaded spacers. FHWA accepted 

Franklin sign supports for up to three 3 lb/ft and up to two 4 

lb/ft, in SS-20, based on this testing. Franklin's spliced system 

was re-certified to NCHRP 350 criteria by FHWA in SS-67, 

based on FHWA's Memorandum of July 25, 1997 titled 

"Identifying Acceptable Highway Safety Features", on the 

basis that • ••. Report 350 acceptance criteria are slightly less 

demanding than were the criteria in the 1985 or 1994 Support 

Specifications or the Report 230 guidelines, breakaway 

hardware meeting these earlier criteria do not have to be requalified to be accepted under Report 350 criteria". 

Franklin's spliced connection with threaded spacers will also 

be acceptable, as the same bolts used in the previously 

accepted unthreaded spacer are used. Rupture of the bolts in 

the previous tests occurred under the head of the bolt or at 

the root of the threads. Similar performance is to be expected. 

Non-Critical, not conducted 

S3-61 (700C) per NCHRP 350, section 3.1, these tests are optional Non-Critical, not conducted 

Version 9.1 (11/15) 

Page 3 of 4 

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

crash test Laboratory. By signature below, the Laboratory agrees in support of this submission that all 

critical and relevant crash tests for the device listed above were conducted. (cite the laboratory's 

accreditation status as noted in the crash test reports.): 

Testing Laboratory's signature concurs that these modifications are considered Non-Significant. 

Laboratory Name: Texas Transportation Institute 

Laboratory Signature: Dean C. Alberson [).git~ly p;n11dbyONnC. AlbfnM 

ON_cn•ONn (. ACbet\OI\ O• TC!:l.IS AM Tt.r;niporutaon lnst'tutC!, ouzRo.tdwiy 

5.aftt1 .and Phys.lc.1:1 Sttunty ()1$..-sion. f'm.ail•d-&lbfonon(U-ti tatriu fdu, c•US 

~t.-: l016-02.191Ul:I04'00' 

Address: 3134 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843 Same as Submitter 0 

Country: USA Same as Submitter D 

Accreditation Certificate 

Number and Dates of current 

Accreditation period: 

Accreditation Certificate number 2821.1 

Valid from February 19, 2015 to April 30, 2017 

Young ~l9't'Clbr,,.,,•"'CIW'll Submitter Signature*:James :;,,:::;:;;:?..=o-..:::..'·· 

Ol=-;lC!,l:IHlUOUJ~W 

Submit Form 

A IT ACHMENTS 
Attach to this form: 

I) 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 f-'orce- 13 Drawing Specifications 

[Hardware Guide Drawjn ~ Sl!mdardsJ. !'or proprietary products, a single isometric line drawing is 

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

information provided 011 the reverse. Additional drawings (not in Tf-'- 13 format) showing details that 

are relevant to understanding the dimensions and perfomrnnce of the device should also be subrni11ed 

to fa cilitate our review. 

Version 9.1 (11/15) 

Page 4 of 4 

FHWA Official Business Only: 

Eligibility Letter AASHTO TF13 

Number Date Designator Key Words 

SS-67A SSPOl a-c sign support, U-Channel 
0 

D 

n 

u 

SSPOla 

2015 

u 

0 

u 

D 

84 [2100] .1 

SSPOlb 

~~PFP33-36 

,JJ 'L POST 

QUAIL "A" 

CROSS SECTION 

Franklin Industries Co 

Franklin, PA 

(814) 437-3726 

FAX: (814)432-7SS6 

www.franklinindustriesco.com 

u 

D 

u 

D 

n 

u 

u 

D 

II II~:;, ~ u IX) 

a I- 84 [2100] .. 1 

SSPOlc 

•so [1500) REQUIRED 

IN WEAK SOIL 

DETAIL "B" 

SSP01 a-c 

SHT 1 OF 3 

REVISION 4/18/2015 
2015 

FP33-36 SIGN POST 

STEEL SPACER (SEE DETAIL B) 

INTEGRAL FLANGE HEX BOLT 

AND LOCK NUT 

PFPJJ-36 BASE POST 

DETAIL A: SPLICE 

FRANKLIN BASE-BOL 

WITH TH 

Franklin Industries Co 

Franklin, PA 

(814) 437-3726 

FAX: (814) 432-7556 

www .fianklittindustriesco.com 

.625 [16] 

.750 (19] 

.312 [8] 1.0. 

DETAIL B: SPACER 

SSP01 a-c 

SHT 3 OF 3 

REVISION 4/18/2015 
SSP01a-c Franklin Industries Co 

Franklin. PA 

SHT 2 OF 3 (814) 437-3726 

F.AX:(814)432-7556 REVISION 4/18/2015 www.franJclinindustriesco.com 

INTENDED USE 

The Franklin Industries base-bolted system can be used as a single (SSPOla), 

double (SSPOlb), or triple (SSPOlc) post sign support where all posts are within 

84 [2100] of each other. The system may be driven in strong or weak soil and 

does not require a concrete foundation, however, when installed in weak soil a soil 

plate is required on each sign post. These systems have been crash tested in strong 

and weak soil and have been judged to satisfy the requirements of 1985 AASHTO 

Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires and 

Traffic Signals and the National Cooperative Highway Research Program Report 230.

COMPONENTS 

The Franklin Industries base-bolted system consists of three (3) components: 

a base post (PFP33-36), a sign post (PFP33-36) and the splice hardware. The 

splice hardware consists of two (2) . 750 [ 19] diameter by .625 [16] thick steel 

threaded spacers and bolts and nuts. The splice bolts are 5/16 x 2-1/4 

(8xS7], grade 9. The splice hardware is cadmium plated in accordance with the 

requirements of ASTM Al65-80, TYPE OS, except using clear chromate. 

REFERENCES 

L.A. Staron "Breakaway Sign Supports" Geometric and Roadside Design 

Acceptance Letter, Fedaral Highway Administration, Washington D.C., 

August 31, 1989 

L.A. Staron "Breakaway Sign Supports" Geometric and Roadside Design 

Acceptance Letter, Fedaral Highway Administration, Washington D.C., 

September 20, 19. 

S.I. Sillan "Breakaway Sign Supports" Geometric and Roadside Design 

Acceptance Letter SS-59, Fedaral Highway Administration, Washington D.C., 

March 7, 1996 

S.I. Sillan "Breakaway Sign Supports" Geometric and Roadside Design 

Acceptance Letter SS-67, Fedaral Highway Administration, Washington D.C., 

September 9, 1996 

CONTACT INFORMATION 

Franklin Industries Co 

P.O. Box671 

Franklin, PA 16323 

(814) 437-3726 

2015 FA:X:(814)432-7556