China Updates Desert Highway Standard: Guardrails and Wind-Blown Sand

China’s Ministry of Transport has announced JTG/T 3331-01-2026, Technical Specifications for Design and Construction of Highway in Desert Region. It takes effect on 1 November 2026, replacing the 2008 guidelines. The announcement was published online on 24 September; the standard’s issue date is 28 August 2026.

Guardrail Selection: Crash Protection and Wind-Blown Sand

Clause 13.2.3 recommends guardrail forms with greater openness to airflow on roadbed sections, provided that crash-protection requirements are met. It recommends metal beam-and-post guardrails on bridge sections. This does not mean that one guardrail type suits every desert highway, or that a more open appearance proves adequate crash performance.

Coordinate Guardrails, Signs and Sand Control

Clause 4.7.2 requires the selection and layout of guardrails and signs to reduce obstruction to wind-blown sand flow and avoid sand accumulation on the pavement. Clause 13.2.2 also recommends coordinating sign placement with guardrail locations to reduce the need for additional guardrails.

Our Supplier Perspective

For guardrail suppliers, the practical takeaway is to confirm approved drawings, crash-protection requirements, component arrangements and site sand conditions before finalizing materials, quantities and delivery documents. “High airflow openness” should not be treated as a stand-alone product certification.

Construction arrangements matter too. Section 12.8 calls for prompt repair of sand-control facilities and sand clearance, and strictly prohibits stockpiling materials or miscellaneous items on shoulders. These are construction-period sand-control provisions, not a general guardrail repair specification.

This is a Chinese recommended industry standard. Projects in the Middle East and elsewhere remain subject to applicable local standards and client-approved requirements; this article does not imply adoption by those jurisdictions.

Source and Translation

Source: Official Ministry of Transport announcement, No. 69 of 2026 (Chinese); JTG/T 3331-01-2026, Clauses 4.7.2, 13.2.2, 13.2.3 and Section 12.8.

English translation and notes prepared by China Guardrail. The attachment translates selected provisions in full, with separately identified translator’s notes. It is not a full or official English translation. In case of ambiguity, the Chinese original governs.