ARTBA to U.S. DOT: Workers Are Vulnerable Road Users, Too

What happened: ARTBA March 20 urged the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to ensure road construction workers maintaining America’s transportation systems are protected as ‘vulnerable roadway users’ – as defined in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Why it matters: A 2018 industry study found that as many as 39 percent of ‘pedestrians’ killed at roadway construction sites were in fact workers who are exposed to hazards from motorists, including speeders and distracted drivers. ARTBA’s analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data shows that as many as 200 roadway workers are killed on jobsites annually.

These numbers were brought into sharp focus March 22, when six roadway construction workers were tragically killed on Maryland’s I-695 by a motorist intrusion into the transportation project site.

Desired outcome: The association is urging FHWA and states to ensure that policies and programs are in place to protect vulnerable road users, including workers. ARTBA is also urging FHWA to update its regulations governing use of ‘positive separation’ techniques to protect workers against oncoming traffic.

March 23 Statement from ARTBA President Dave Bauer on Tragic Loss of Six Workers
The U.S. transportation construction industry lost six of its own yesterday in the tragedy outside of Baltimore. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen highway workers. We will never accept that work zone intrusions are inevitable. Safety first; safety always.