Updated Work Zone Positive Protection Toolbox

This document provides an update to a prior Positive Protection Toolbox publication and describes the use of positive protection as a safety feature for roadway construction and maintenance projects, along with the types of devices that can be used, their typical locations, and common project characteristics. The publication was designed to highlight the most recent requirements and guidance for use of longitudinal barriers and other types of positive protection. It provides information on the decision to use positive protection and other exposure control or traffic control measures. This document is based on the 2024 FHWA update to the Temporary Traffic Control Devices Rule (23 CFR 630 Subpart K).

Topics Covered:
Focuses on protecting workers from traffic and protecting traffic from drop-off conditions. Key topics include:

• Engineering studies for proper application of devices
• Federal requirements for use of positive protection
• Types of devices and their characteristics
• Examples of analysis techniques for determining the need for positive protection

Phase: Construction and maintenance operations

Target audience:

• Public agencies
• Highway construction contractors
• Temporary traffic control designers
• Maintenance crews
• Work zone safety professionals

Format:  Electronic files only