Work zone safety is a critical element of every federal highway project, serving as both a moral obligation and a legal requirement. These construction and maintenance zones, often characterized by heavy machinery, altered traffic patterns, and reduced speeds, present unique hazards to both workers and motorists.
This year, AEM and industry partners in the transportation and infrastructure sector have teamed up to form the National Work Zone Safety Coalition (NWZSC). This coalition represents wide-ranging and diverse stakeholders in the road construction industry, including construction materials producers, equipment manufacturers, project planning and design engineers, labor unions, traffic safety experts, and road and bridge construction contractors. We all have a shared priority: to get workers safely home to their families.
In 2022, 891 people, including motorists and workers, died in roadway work zones. These senseless tragedies are often in large part due to erratic and distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, and failure to abide by other traffic laws. Although most of the jurisdiction related to work zone policy is at the state level, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides much-needed resources and support as states seek to implement new policies and best practices. Without these investments and resources, workers’ safety will be compromised.
Over the last few months, the coalition has served as a resource to Congress and sent numerous letters and recommendations to various congressional committees on the specific issue of expanding implementation and flexibility of the Work Zone Safety Contingency Fund (WZSCF). Congress authorized the WZSCF as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to provide additional federal dollars, above the original contract value, for unforeseen safety enhancements that were identified after the project moved into the construction phase--further ensuring safe working conditions.
This was a critical provision as it allowed DOTs to operate in a low-bid environment with structured contracts. Prior to the establishment of WZSCFs, any unforeseen cost increases, even if used to protect roadway workers, would be the responsibility of the contractor or require a change order.
In the lead up to the drafting of the next surface transportation reauthorization bill, that is set to expire on September 30, 2026, the coalition has worked with a group of bipartisan Members of Congress to introduce H.R. 2992, the Preventing Roadside and Work Zone Deaths Act. Introduced by Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA), Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV), Congressman Rudy Yakym (R-IN), and Congressman Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (R-PA), this legislation would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to collect, analyze, compile, and publish accurate, detailed data on disabled roadside vehicle crashes and work zone crashes to develop a strategic plan to stop these incidents.
AEM and the National Work Zone Safety Coalition will continue to work with bipartisan Members of Congress to educate lawmakers and staff of the importance of this legislation and work to ensure safe safer work zones.
To get involved in AEM’s advocacy efforts, please reach out to the AEM Advocacy Team.
