From what I've found digging around on the internet is that the California DOT, in the 1970's, tested a variation of the Jersey barrier or Type 50 median barrier for temporary applications; to protect workers doing construction along roadways. I know that each barrier is about 20 feet long and weigh 8,000 lbs.

What I would like to know is, were there A- through J-rail configurations that failed the CalDOT requirements or was the name "K-rail" originated from some other purpose?

 

"Information is not knowledge" Albert Einstein