Cattle Guards for Public Roads

When a cattle guard is used on a public road, highway, or other roadway project, load capacity is an important part of the design. An HS20 cattle guard is engineered for a 16-ton-per-axle load rating and is commonly specified for public roadway applications where this level of capacity is required.

Barn World offers HS20-rated cattle guards in a variety of sizes and configurations, including round top and flat top rail designs. These heavy-duty cattle guards are designed to provide a livestock barrier while allowing vehicles to cross without opening and closing a gate.

The right cattle guard depends on more than the length of the roadway opening. The required load rating, crossing width, traffic, installation method, foundation, top rail design, and requirements of the road authority should all be considered before ordering.

What Is an HS20 Cattle Guard?

An HS20 cattle guard is a load-rated cattle crossing designed to support vehicles with an engineered capacity of 16 tons per axle. The HS20 designation refers to a recognized highway loading classification used in structural design.

For a private driveway, a lower-rated cattle guard may be adequate. Public roadway projects, however, can have specific structural and load requirements established by a state, county, city, or other roadway authority. When an HS20 rating is specified for a project, the cattle guard needs to be designed and supplied to that rating rather than using a standard private-use model.

Barn World's HS20 cattle guards are available in several configurations to accommodate different roadway widths, crossing lengths, and installation requirements.

Why Load Rating Matters for a Public Road Cattle Guard

A cattle guard is not simply a set of steel rails placed across an opening. The entire structure must support the vehicle loads transferred through the top rails and into the supporting structure below.

Heavy trucks, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, and other vehicles can place substantially different loads on a cattle guard than passenger vehicles. The load rating accounts for the structural capacity needed to handle the specified axle loading.

For that reason, selecting a cattle guard based only on its physical dimensions is not enough for a public roadway project. The structural rating should be matched to the requirements of the project and the authority responsible for the road.

Cattle Guard Load Ratings

Different load ratings are available for different applications. The following ratings are commonly associated with the AASHTO loading classifications used in cattle guard design:

The HS20, or H-20, rating shown above represents a 16-ton-per-axle design. Higher-rated cattle guards are also available when a project involves heavier off-road equipment or other applications requiring greater load capacity.

The rating required for a particular public roadway should always be confirmed with the appropriate road authority, engineer, or project specifications before the cattle guard is ordered.

HS20 Cattle Guards for Highway and Public Road Projects

Public road cattle guards can be used where a roadway passes through a fenced property, and livestock must be contained without installing a conventional swinging or sliding gate.

An HS20-rated cattle guard can provide a vehicle crossing while maintaining the livestock barrier at the fence line. This can be useful at ranch entrances, agricultural properties, government land, rural roads, and other locations where the roadway must remain accessible to vehicles while livestock are kept within the intended area.

Public roadway projects can have additional requirements beyond the cattle guard itself. The road authority may specify the load rating, dimensions, foundation design, roadway width, drainage, approach construction, or other installation details.

Always verify the requirements for the specific location before beginning construction. A cattle guard that works for a private driveway is not necessarily appropriate for a public roadway.

Round Top and Flat Top HS20 Cattle Guards

Barn World offers HS20-rated cattle guards with different top rail configurations. The top rail is the portion of the cattle guard that vehicles cross, and it creates the visual and physical livestock barrier.

Round Top Rail Cattle Guards

Round top rail cattle guards use tubular rails across the crossing. The rounded surface creates a traditional cattle guard appearance and provides an effective livestock barrier.

Round rail designs are available in multiple lengths and widths, including larger configurations for wider roadway crossings. Some designs can also be installed end-to-end when the roadway opening requires additional width.

Flat Top Rail Cattle Guards

Flat top rail cattle guards use a flatter upper surface and can provide a smoother vehicle crossing than traditional round pipe designs.

The choice between round and flat top rails can depend on the type of traffic, the project design, personal preference, and the specifications established for the roadway. Both configurations can be engineered for the required load rating.

 

HS20 Cattle Guard Sizes

Cattle guard size should be selected according to the roadway opening and the way vehicles will approach and cross the installation.

Barn World offers HS20 cattle guards in several lengths and depths. Available configurations include shorter crossings for standard roadway openings as well as longer designs for wider crossings.

For example, HS20 cattle guards are available in configurations including 10-foot, 12-foot, and 14-foot lengths, while larger round rail designs are available in longer configurations. The exact dimensions available depend on the design and load rating selected.

If a roadway is wider than a single cattle guard, multiple units may be used together when the design permits. The method of connecting or supporting multiple units should be determined as part of the project design.

Cattle Guard Depth and Crossing Width

The depth of a cattle guard refers to the distance the vehicle travels across the rails, while the length generally refers to the dimension spanning the roadway from one side to the other.

Standard cattle guard depths are commonly available in configurations such as 6 feet and 8 feet. A deeper crossing can sometimes be useful where additional livestock deterrence is desired, particularly when dealing with animals that may be more inclined to attempt crossing the barrier.

The correct dimensions should be determined from the actual roadway and fence-line layout rather than simply selecting the largest available cattle guard.

Cattle Guard Foundations

The foundation is an important part of any load-rated cattle guard installation. The cattle guard must transfer vehicle loads into a properly designed supporting structure.

Depending on the cattle guard design and project requirements, foundations may be constructed on site or supplied as precast components. Barn World also offers cattle guard foundation options that can be used with compatible cattle guard designs.

Foundation requirements can vary with soil conditions, drainage, roadway construction, local requirements, and the load rating of the cattle guard. For a public roadway installation, the foundation should be designed and installed according to the applicable project specifications.

Cattle Guard Wings and Fence Connections

A cattle guard works as part of the fence line, so the transition between the roadway crossing and the existing fence is important.

Optional wings can extend from the ends of a cattle guard to help connect the fence to the crossing. This helps close off the areas beside the cattle guard where livestock might otherwise find a way around it.

For projects requiring a complete crossing system, consider the cattle guard, foundation, wings, fence connection, roadway surface, and drainage together rather than treating each component as a separate installation.

Choosing an HS20 Cattle Guard for Your Project

Before ordering an HS20 cattle guard, determine the following:

• The required load rating
• The roadway or crossing width
• The required cattle guard length and depth
• The type of vehicle and equipment using the crossing
• Whether round or flat top rails are preferred or specified
• Whether a foundation is required
• Whether wings are needed to connect the fence
• How the cattle guard will be delivered and installed
• Any requirements established by the city, county, state, or other roadway authority

Having these details available makes it much easier to identify the appropriate cattle guard configuration and obtain an accurate quote.

HS20 Cattle Guards for Heavy Equipment

An HS20 cattle guard is not limited to passenger vehicles. The 16-ton-per-axle rating makes this class of cattle guard appropriate for projects where heavier vehicles and equipment will cross the installation, provided the project specifications call for this rating.

For equipment that exceeds the requirements of an HS20 design, higher-rated cattle guards are available. Barn World offers cattle guards with load ratings of 25 and 30 tons per axle for applications requiring greater capacity.

The correct rating should be based on the actual vehicle loads and project requirements rather than choosing a higher rating simply because it is available.

Public Roadway Cattle Guard Installation

Installing a cattle guard on a public road involves more planning than placing a private driveway cattle guard between two sections of fence.

The roadway authority may have requirements covering the structural rating, roadway dimensions, foundation, drainage, approach surfaces, and placement. Some projects may also require engineering documentation or approval before construction begins.

Before purchasing an HS20 cattle guard for a public roadway, check with the appropriate city, county, state, or other road authority to determine which specifications apply to the location.

Once the requirements are established, the cattle guard can be selected based on the required rating and dimensions. Proper preparation of the site and foundation is essential to the performance of the completed crossing.

HS20 Cattle Guards Compared With Private-Use Cattle Guards

Not every cattle guard needs an HS20 rating. Private ranch roads, farm driveways, and other private crossings may have different requirements and may be served by a more economical private-use cattle guard.

The important distinction is the required structural capacity. A private-use cattle guard should not be substituted for an HS20-rated design when a public roadway project specifically requires a 16-ton-per-axle rating.

Conversely, selecting an expensive highway-rated cattle guard for a simple private driveway may not be necessary when the project does not require that level of structural capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions About HS20 Cattle Guards

What does HS20 mean on a cattle guard?

HS20 refers to a highway loading classification associated with a 16-ton-per-axle design load. An HS20 cattle guard is engineered to support that specified axle loading.

How many tons can an HS20 cattle guard support?

An HS20 cattle guard is rated at 16 tons per axle. The rating refers to axle loading, not the total weight of an entire vehicle.

Are HS20 cattle guards used on public roads?

Yes. HS20-rated cattle guards are commonly used for public roadway and highway projects where the project specifications require a 16-ton-per-axle cattle guard. Requirements vary by roadway authority, so the applicable specifications should always be confirmed before installation.

What is the difference between an HS20 and a private cattle guard?

The primary difference is the engineered load capacity. An HS20 cattle guard is designed for a 16-ton-per-axle rating, while private-use cattle guards can have lower load ratings and are intended for applications where a highway load rating is not required.

Are HS20 cattle guards available with round rails?

Yes. Barn World offers HS20-rated cattle guards with round top rails, as well as flat top rail designs.

Can an HS20 cattle guard be made wider?

Wider roadway crossings can sometimes be accommodated by using multiple cattle guard sections together. The appropriate configuration depends on the specific cattle guard design and project requirements.

Do HS20 cattle guards need a foundation?

A properly designed supporting foundation is an important part of a load-rated cattle guard installation. Foundation requirements depend on the cattle guard, site conditions, roadway construction, and project specifications.

Do I need an HS20 cattle guard for a private driveway?

Not necessarily. Private driveways may use cattle guards designed for private applications when the roadway and vehicle loads do not require an HS20 rating. Check local requirements if the driveway connects to a public roadway or the project has specific load requirements.

Can a cattle guard replace a gate?

A cattle guard can provide a gate-free livestock crossing at a properly fenced entrance. It allows vehicles to cross while discouraging livestock from crossing the opening, eliminating the need to open and close a conventional gate for routine vehicle access.

Get Help Selecting an HS20 Cattle Guard

Choosing a cattle guard for a public roadway project starts with the required load rating and roadway dimensions. From there, the rail design, foundation, wings, and other options can be matched to the project.

Barn World offers HS20-rated cattle guards in multiple sizes and configurations, along with higher-rated designs for applications requiring additional load capacity.

If you are planning a public roadway, ranch entrance, highway crossing, or other heavy-duty cattle guard installation, contact Barn World with the roadway dimensions and required load rating. We can help identify the appropriate cattle guard configuration and provide a quote for your project.

Important: Public roadway requirements can vary by location and project. Always confirm the required cattle guard rating, dimensions, foundation design, and installation specifications with the applicable roadway authority or project engineer.

Shop all the Cattle Guards and contact Barn World for any help at all!