Jersey barrier

noun

1. a type of concrete barricade used especially as a highway divider to protect each side from traffic crossing over.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Jersey barrier¹

First recorded in 1965–70; so named because such barriers were first used on the (New) Jersey (Turnpike)

Example Sentences

“You know, if Starr County gets hit by a big rainstorm and the water has to drain into the river, these walls — whether it’s the bollard walls or the Jersey barrier walls — are going to block the movement of that water and dam it up,” Nicol said.

From Seattle Times

The two vehicles were traveling around 1:40 a.m. on the inner belt between Georgia Avenue and Colesville Road, when a car veered off to the left, hit a Jersey barrier, and caught on fire.

From Washington Times

Fifteen seconds later the driver who passed me hit the Jersey barrier dividing the lanes of traffic, and spun out after hitting another car, whose driver managed to drive into the access lane only slightly injured — although his car was totaled.

From Salon

Five years after the Baltimore statues’ removal, the monuments in the city-owned lot off Pulaski Highway in the Pulaski Industrial Area are secured in a metal fence and Jersey barrier enclosure.

From Washington Post

Evidence at the scene led troopers to believe Shelley had gone over a jersey barrier and fallen into Lake Union.

From Seattle Times