FHWA Issues New Road Construction Zone Safety Rule

On November 5, the Federal Highway Administration announced significant updates to the Work Zone Safety and Mobility Rule and the Temporary Traffic Control Devices Rule, marking the first major revisions in 20 years. These updates aim to enhance safety for roadway workers and motorists in alignment with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Vision Zero initiative and National Roadway Safety Strategy. Key changes include mandating the use of positive protection devices, such as temporary concrete barriers, and promoting comprehensive, data-driven work zone safety reviews. These measures comply with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and address evolving safety needs in work zones. States like Washington, California, Maryland, and Texas are complementing these efforts with their own guidelines, while initiatives like National Work Zone Awareness Week continue to raise awareness of the growing issue of work zone fatalities.