AASHTO Journal - FHWA Issues New Road Construction Zone Safety Rule

On Nov. 5, the Federal Highway Administration announced updates to the Work Zone Safety and Mobility Rule and the Temporary Traffic Control Devices Rule, bolstering safety for roadway workers and motorists in work zones.

“With USDOT’s commitment to Vision Zero – a future where no one dies on our roads – it’s critical that we keep people safe in work zones, including travelers and those constructing our roads,” said Acting Federal Highway Administrator Kristin White. “This work zone safety rule took years in the making to engage communities, partners and public and private sectors to ensure we prioritize work zone safety and reduce congestion to keep us all safe every day.”

The agency remarks that the final rule is the first update in 20 years and makes important changes to FHWA’s principal mission: “to ensure America has the safest and most modern transportation system in the world.” These updates comply with the requirements of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and address both current and future needs for work zone safety. The updated rule also aligns with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy, aimed at tackling the safety crisis on the nation’s roads, including reducing crashes in work zones.

Key updates include requiring the use of positive protection devices, such as temporary concrete barriers, to shield workers from high-speed traffic during construction, utility, and maintenance operations; and encouraging the utilization of more comprehensive, data-driven work zone reviews.

Many states are also implementing measures to protect workers in construction zones. State DOTs such as Washington, California, Maryland, and Texas, have issued guidelines to assess when concrete barriers are necessary to ensure the safety of their workers – including in work zones. Additionally, states also come together for National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), which promotes highway work zone safety and reminds drivers to be cautious as work zone fatalities continue rising nationwide. The 2025 NWZAW event will be hosted by North Carolina Department of Transportation.