MONTGOMERY, AL — Kay Ivey on Tuesday signed Senate Bill 341 into law, creating the Alabama Work Zone Safety Act. The legislation comes just ahead of National Work Zone Awareness Week and aims to improve safety in highway construction areas across the state.
The Alabama Work Zone Safety Act, sponsored by Josh Carnley and Mike Kirkland, establishes a pilot program authorizing the procurement, installation, and operation of a photographic speed enforcement system within interstate highway work zones.
“Currently in Alabama, there is roadwork ongoing in all 67 counties, including on our major roadways. It is just critical that we all drive carefully through work zones,” Ivey said. “I was proud to put my signature on the Alabama Work Zone Safety Act that will help us improve safety around our roadwork and the enforcement mechanisms going forward. As we are rebuilding Alabama in all 67 counties, let’s keep the men and women doing the hard work, as well as our fellow motorists and ourselves, safe!”
Under the law, reports will be submitted to the Legislature evaluating the effectiveness of the pilot program.
“The Alabama Work Zone Safety Act is about protecting the men and women who work hard each and every day to keep our roads safe and functional,” Carnley said. “The Alabama Work Zone Safety Act gives us a smart, data-driven approach to improving safety in some of the most dangerous areas on our roads while holding reckless drivers accountable. I appreciate my colleagues in the Legislature for their support in advancing this measure and thank Governor Ivey for her leadership in signing this important legislation into law.”
State data indicates that in the past year, Alabama recorded 2,543 crashes in highway work zones, resulting in approximately 11 fatalities and 709 injuries. With roadwork underway statewide, officials say the legislation is intended to address ongoing safety concerns for both workers and drivers.
“Our highway workers deserve to return home safely at the end of every workday, and this law will help make that happen,” Kirkland said. “By implementing innovative tools to slow drivers down in work zones, we are taking a meaningful step toward preventing tragic accidents and saving lives. I am grateful to my colleagues in the Legislature for their support and to Governor Ivey for her continued commitment to public safety across Alabama.”
A driver awareness program related to the new law is expected to launch in October, with full enforcement anticipated before the end of the year.
