Annually, nearly 1,000 fatalities and 43,000 serious injuries occur in the U.S. as a result of vehicle accidents in work zones. Across the country, travelers are frustrated with the number of work zones and the resulting congestion. Over the duration of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), funding levels for highway construction and congestion levels have been projected to increase. Further, more rehabilitation is needed as the nation's highway infrastructure ages. Work zone safety and mobility have increasing importance as work zones become more of a daily fixture on our roads.
Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is continuously striving to improve safety and mobility in work zones. With the major emphasis on safety, SHA is determined to reduce work zone related congestion by utilizing ITS technologies, better work zone products with high crashworthiness standards, close cooperation with the construction industry, improved work zone traffic control training, improved planning and design of work zone setups, and research.
For more information on SHA’s Work Zone Safety and Mobility Program, please contact the Traffic Policy and Management Team at (410)787-5860.