Focus on Congestion Relief

Congestion Reduction Toolbox:
Better Work Zones

Work Zone Management

Work zones are a necessary part of maintaining and upgrading our aging highway system. The combination of more work zones and heavier traffic volumes means work zones are having a greater effect on roadway systems. Unlike congestion caused by routine heavy traffic during daily peak travel periods, non-recurring events generally result in unexpected travel delays. Work zones account for more than 480 million vehicle hours of delay. Aggressively anticipating and mitigating congestion caused by highway work zones is one area that can have a positive impact on relieving congestion. Real solutions come from fundamental changes in the way projects are planned, estimated, designed, bid, and finally, constructed.

The updated Work Zone Safety and Mobility Rule focuses on state and local agency-level work zone policy to institutionalize work zone processes and procedures that consider work zone effects throughout the project delivery process, aiming for a reduction of congestion during construction projects. The Highways for Long-lasting, Innovative, Fast construction of Efficient (HfL) and safe pavements and bridges pilot program as outlined in SAFETEA-LU is meant to accelerate the adoption of innovations and technologies, thereby improving safety and highway quality while reducing congestion caused by construction. FHWA is highlighting congestion reduction strategies in construction zones through assisting states in achieving compliance with the work zone safety and mobility rule and through the Highways for LIFE pilot program.

For more information, visit:

• FHWA Work Zone Mobility and Safety Program
  Recent developments and news on work zone safety and mobility programs.
  • Work Zone Safety and Mobility Rule
    The Final Rule on Work Zone Safety and Mobility was published on September 9, 2004 in the Federal Register. All state and local governments that receive federal-aid funding are required to comply with the provisions of the rule no later than October 12, 2007. The rule updates and broadens the former regulation at 23 CFR 630 Subpart J to address more of the current issues affecting work zone safety and mobility. The changes to the regulation will encourage broader consideration of the safety and mobility impacts of work zones across project development, and the implementation of strategies that help manage these impacts during project delivery.
  • Work Zone Operations Best Practices Guidebook
    This is a keyword-searchable guide to nationwide best practices in areas such as prediction modeling and impact assessment, planning and programming, contracting and bidding procedures, project design, public relations/outreach, and many others.