New Median Safety System Installed on El Paso's Transmountain Corridor

The installation addresses the specific safety challenges of this steep mountain corridor, where limited space restricts standard infrastructure options. Rather than relying on a traditional gravity-fed gravel bed, the CatchNet system utilizes a series of engineered nets and energy-absorbing components. These stations are arranged to progressively manage kinetic energy, providing a forgiving entry for runaway vehicles while ensuring a secure stop.

Michael Kempen, President of Impact Technologies, stated that this project serves as a practical application for corridors where mechanical failure or driver error could result in high-consequence events. By integrating this system directly into the existing median, the project provides physical redundancy without requiring a larger roadway footprint. The company collaborated with TxDOT to establish maintenance and reset protocols, ensuring the system remains operational for emergency responders after a deployment. This deployment highlights a growing trend of utilizing site-specific, engineered technology to manage safety in space-constrained urban and mountain environments.