Development of Work Zone Programmatic Reviews

An important component of a State’s approach to work zone management involves reviewing practices and processes, evaluating mobility and safety performance in work zones, and identifying areas for improvement. In 2024, the Federal Highway Administration updated the Work Zone Safety and Mobility Rule to require State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to conduct work zone programmatic reviews instead of work zone process reviews. The shift from work zone process reviews to work zone programmatic reviews involves a more systematic approach to assessing all aspects of a State’s work zone management practices and a data-driven analysis of work zone safety and mobility impacts. This document presents guidance for conducting work zone programmatic reviews, including detailed steps and a work zone programmatic review template. An overview of existing resources and State DOT practices is also presented, as some of the practices from work zone process reviews may be transferable to work zone programmatic reviews.