Attenuator - SLED System [Price for 1]
Sentry Longitudinal Energy Dissipater (SLED)
The Traffix Devices SLED System is a narrow, non-redirective gating crash cushion built to protect the exposed end of permanent and temporary portable traffic barriers. It attaches directly to the barrier end without foundation anchors or pavement penetrations, making it one of the most field-practical barrier end treatments available for work zones where drilling is not an option.
Available in three test level configurations, TL-1 through TL-3, the SLED covers speed environments from low-speed access points up to 62 MPH highway applications. Starting at $3,999.95, it ships directly to job sites and project warehouses. For volume pricing or freight coordination, call Trans-Supply at (866) 930-4604 or email sales@trans-supply.com.
The SLED uses four internal steel cables to absorb and redirect crash energy on impact. The cables envelop the striking vehicle and allow the attenuator to gate open around it, dissipating energy along the unit's length rather than transferring it back into traffic. This gating behavior is what separates a non-redirective crash cushion from a rigid end treatment: the vehicle is slowed and captured, not deflected.
The universal transition accepts Jersey profile, F-shape, single-slope concrete, and standard plastic water-filled barriers without a custom adapter. At 22.5 inches wide, lane closure dimensions stay minimal. Visual fill indicators let crews confirm water levels at a glance. Bi-directional configurations are available where approach direction varies.
Click Here To Download Spec Sheet
MASH 2016 Compliance and FHWA Acceptance
The Traffix Devices SLED holds MASH 2016 TL-3 acceptance and appears on the FHWA's list of accepted crashworthy roadside hardware. This covers the TL-1, TL-2, and TL-3 configurations sold on this page.
MASH 2016 is the current governing test standard for roadside safety hardware on federally funded projects. Most state DOTs now require MASH-compliant devices on federal-aid work. Full TL-3 acceptance means the SLED meets that requirement across all three test levels.
For DOT submittal documentation or manufacturer acceptance letters, contact Trans-Supply at (866) 930-4604.
TL-1 Specifications
Rated for impact speeds up to 31 MPH. Suited for low-speed work zones, controlled-access facilities, parking structures, and intersections where approach speeds are reduced.
- Speed Rating: 31 MPH
- Weight: Empty 675 lbs
- Weight: Water Filled 2,505 lbs
- Length: 12' 7"
- Width: 22.5"
- Height: 42"
TL-2 Specifications
Handles impact speeds up to 45 MPH. Appropriate for arterial roads, highway on- and off-ramps, and mid-speed construction zones.
- Speed Rating: 45 MPH
- Weight: Empty 835 lbs
- Weight: Water Filled 4,505 lbs
- Length: 18' 11"
- Width: 22.5"
- Height: 42"
TL-3 Specifications
Rated for highway speeds up to 62 MPH. The specification most commonly required on interstate and limited-access highway work zones subject to MASH 2016 requirements.
- Speed Rating: 62 MPH
- Weight: Empty 995 lbs
- Weight: Water Filled 6,505 lbs
- Length: 25' 3"
- Width: 22.5"
- Height: 42"
How to Choose the Right TL Rating
The correct test level depends on the design speed of the roadway, not necessarily the posted construction zone speed. Work zone speed reductions do not automatically change the TL requirement on a project.
- TL-1 is appropriate for posted speeds of 30 MPH or less: parking structures, temporary facility access points, and low-volume work zones with active traffic control.
- TL-2 covers posted speeds up to 45 MPH: urban arterials, highway ramps, and collector roads with moderate traffic volume.
- TL-3 is required for posted speeds up to 65 MPH: interstate highways, freeway work zones, and any federally funded project with a MASH 2016 TL-3 specification in the contract documents.
If your contract specifies MASH 2016 TL-3, order the TL-3 unit regardless of the temporary work zone speed reduction. When the spec is unclear, call Trans-Supply at (866) 930-4604.
Features
- FHWA Accepted: Listed as an accepted crashworthy device eligible for federally funded roadway projects
- MASH 2016 TL-3 Approved: Meets the current federal test protocol for roadside safety hardware
- No Foundation Anchors Required: Attaches to the barrier end without drilling or pavement penetration
- Universal Transition: Compatible with concrete Jersey, F-shape, single-slope, and plastic portable barrier profiles
- Narrow 22.5-Inch Footprint: Keeps lane closure width to a minimum on tight work zone layouts
- Internal Steel Cables: Four cables manage impact energy by enveloping the vehicle during a crash event
- Visual Fill Indicators: Confirm water fill level without moving or lifting the unit
- Uni- and Bi-Directional: Available for single-direction or two-direction traffic exposure
Trans-Supply is a direct supplier of traffic safety equipment to contractors, municipalities, traffic control companies, and state and federal transportation agencies across the United States. The SLED attenuator product line is one of the most frequently specified crash cushion systems we supply. If you are working through a DOT specification, need an FHWA acceptance letter, or have a project with configuration questions that go beyond the standard TL selection, our sales team handles those inquiries daily. Call (866) 930-4604 or email sales@trans-supply.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a SLED attenuator?
A SLED attenuator is a portable crash cushion used to shield the exposed end of a traffic barrier from vehicle impact. SLED stands for Sentry Longitudinal Energy Dissipater. It uses internal steel cables to absorb and redirect crash energy along the unit's length, reducing injury severity and preventing vehicles from striking the hard end of a concrete or plastic barrier system.
What does SLED stand for in traffic safety?
SLED stands for Sentry Longitudinal Energy Dissipater. It is the Traffix Devices crash cushion product designed for permanent and temporary portable barrier end protection.
What is the difference between TL-1, TL-2, and TL-3 SLED systems?
The TL rating corresponds to the vehicle impact speed the unit is designed to handle under MASH 2016 testing. TL-1 covers speeds up to 31 MPH, TL-2 covers up to 45 MPH, and TL-3 covers up to 62 MPH. Higher test level units are longer and heavier, but all three configurations share the same 22.5-inch width and 42-inch height.
Is the Traffix Devices SLED system MASH 2016 approved?
Yes. The Traffix Devices SLED System holds MASH 2016 TL-3 acceptance and is listed on the FHWA's accepted crashworthy hardware inventory. This qualifies it for use on federally funded projects where MASH-compliant devices are required.
Does the SLED system require foundation anchors?
No. The SLED attaches directly to the barrier end without any foundation anchors or pavement penetrations, making it well suited for temporary work zones where drilling is not permitted or practical.
What barriers is the SLED system compatible with?
The SLED system's universal transition works with concrete Jersey barriers, F-shape barriers, single-slope barriers, and standard plastic water-filled barriers. The standard SLED does not attach directly to water wall barriers. A Mini SLED variant is available for water wall end treatment. Contact Trans-Supply at (866) 930-4604 to confirm compatibility for your specific barrier type before ordering.
Will the Sentry SLED work for bus applications at 10 to 15 MPH at an airport?
The SLED is tested under MASH 2016 using standard passenger cars and pickup trucks. While TL-1 covers the 10 to 15 MPH speed range numerically, buses are outside the standard MASH test vehicle class. For bus-specific applications at controlled facilities such as airports, contact Trans-Supply at (866) 930-4604 to confirm whether the SLED is the appropriate device for that scenario.
Can the SLED system attach to a water wall barrier?
The standard SLED is not designed for direct attachment to water wall barriers. The Mini SLED is the appropriate device for water wall end treatment. Contact Trans-Supply to confirm the right product for your barrier configuration.
How many yellow Sentry barriers come in a TL-2 SLED system?
The number of Sentry barriers included varies by configuration. Contact Trans-Supply at (866) 930-4604 or email sales@trans-supply.com for a complete bill of materials before ordering.
How do I order a SLED attenuator from Trans-Supply?
Add the SLED attenuator directly to your cart on this page. For volume pricing, freight coordination, or DOT submittal documentation, call (866) 930-4604 or email sales@trans-supply.com. Trans-Supply ships to job sites and project warehouses across the country. For TL-3 units, LTL freight coordination is recommended given the 6,505 lb filled weight.
