Engineering Guide
High Friction Surface Treatment (HFST) vs. Roadway Safety Strip™
Traditional liquid-applied HFST has been the go-to for high-crash locations for decades. Roadway Safety Strip™ delivers the same friction performance in a factory-controlled, rapidly installed system. Here's how they stack up for DOTs, municipalities, and contractors.
What is High Friction Surface Treatment?
High Friction Surface Treatment (HFST) is a proven safety countermeasure that bonds a high-friction aggregate — most often calcined bauxite — to the pavement using a polymer resin such as epoxy. FHWA and state DOTs deploy HFST at crash-prone locations including horizontal curves, intersection approaches, interchange ramps, and steep grades to sharply reduce wet-weather and run-off-road crashes.
The performance is proven, but the traditional install process is labor intensive, weather-sensitive, and quality-variable. Roadway Safety Strip™ was engineered to solve those installation pain points while matching the friction performance highway agencies rely on.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Traditional liquid-applied HFST vs. Roadway Safety Strip™
| Attribute | Traditional HFST | Roadway Safety Strip™ |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Method | Mix and trowel epoxy resin on site, broadcast bauxite aggregate, sweep excess. | Pre-manufactured strip applied directly to the pavement — no on-site mixing. |
| Crew Size & Time | Large crews, multi-hour cure windows, lane closures often exceed 8 hours. | Small crew, rapid application, lanes typically returned to traffic same day. |
| Quality Control | Field-mixed — friction values vary with temperature, humidity, and crew skill. | Factory-controlled — consistent aggregate distribution and binder ratio every unit. |
| Weather Sensitivity | Epoxy cure requires narrow temperature and humidity windows. | Wider installation window; less sensitive to ambient conditions. |
| Friction Performance | High initial friction; degrades with binder wear and aggregate polishing. | NCAT-developed high friction retained across service life. |
| Durability | Susceptible to bauxite loss, delamination, and edge failures. | Engineered composite designed for high-traffic bridge decks and grades. |
| Cost Profile | Material cost moderate, but labor, traffic control, and rework drive total cost. | Higher unit price offset by lower labor, shorter closures, and predictable outcomes. |
| Best For | Long continuous sections where mobilization is amortized. | Curves, intersections, ramps, roundabouts, bridge decks, speed tables, school zones. |
Why Agencies Are Choosing Roadway Safety Strip™
Rapid Installation
Skip the mix-and-cure timeline. Reopen lanes faster and cut traffic control costs on every project.
Factory-Controlled Quality
Every strip leaves the plant with the same aggregate density, binder ratio, and friction profile — no field variability.
NCAT Developed
Independently tested by the National Center for Asphalt Technology at Auburn University for friction and durability.
Predictable Cost
Lower labor, fewer callbacks, and consistent performance make budgeting and life-cycle costing straightforward.
Versatile Deployment
Engineered for horizontal curves, intersection approaches, ramps, bridge decks, roundabouts, and speed tables.
DOT-Ready
Designed to meet the high-friction performance criteria state DOTs specify for safety countermeasures.
Where Traditional HFST Falls Short
- Weather-dependent epoxy cure delays projects and forces re-mobilization.
- Field-mixed resin ratios drive inconsistent friction from one section to the next.
- Aggregate loss and delamination require expensive spot repairs within a few seasons.
- Extended lane closures increase user delay costs and traffic-control line items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is High Friction Surface Treatment (HFST)?
HFST bonds a high-friction aggregate (traditionally calcined bauxite) to the pavement with a polymer binder, dramatically increasing skid resistance at crash-prone locations.
How is Roadway Safety Strip™ different?
It's a factory-produced high-friction system installed as a pre-manufactured strip — eliminating on-site mixing, tight cure windows, and field-variable quality.
Is Roadway Safety Strip™ DOT approved?
It's independently developed by NCAT at Auburn University and engineered to meet DOT high-friction performance requirements. Contact us for state-specific specification support.
Ready to specify a better high-friction solution?
Get project pricing, technical data, and installation support from New Age Asphalt Solutions.