The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a new regulation aimed at enhancing work zone safety and mobility. Effective November 1, the final rule updates standards to improve safety for both road users and workers through performance measures, data-driven assessments, and criteria for positive protection devices.
In its comments submitted November 30, 2023, the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) urged the agency to clarify certain provisions, integrate worker safety into training protocols, and strengthen requirements for positive protection measures.
While the final rule incorporates some of ARTBA’s recommendations—such as requiring positive protection devices in high-speed work zones lacking escape routes unless an engineering study indicates otherwise—concerns remain. ARTBA expressed disappointment that FHWA made crashworthiness evaluation criteria for such devices voluntary rather than mandatory.