Work Zone Speed Management
There are a variety of methods and technologies that can be used to help manage and enforce speed limits in work zones, including the use of law enforcement officers, automated enforcement, speed advisory systems, and variable speed limit (VSL) systems.
Speed Safety Cameras
- Case Study of Pennsylvania’s Work Zone Speed Safety Camera Program - 1/17/2025
This case study presents experiences and lessons learned from Pennsylvania's work zone Speed Safety Cameras pilot and program (referred to as the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) program and the Work Zone Speed Safety Camera program). - Model Evaluation Plan for Work Zone Speed Safety Cameras - 1/16/2025
A Speed Safety Cameras (SSC) evaluation plan provides a structure for examining the SSC program’s progress toward achieving the program goals. Regular and frequent monitoring of certain performance aspects of the program confirms program reliability (i.e., that the system is functioning appropriately). - Case Study of New York State’s Work Zone Speed Safety Camera Program - 1/15/2025
This case study presents the experiences and lessons learned, to date, from the New York State work zone SSC program (also referred to as the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) Program). - Speed Safety Camera Program and Planning Operations Guide: An Overview - 8/2/2024
The purpose of the Speed Safety Camera Program Planning and Operations Guide is to help jurisdictions plan, deploy, and operate SSC programs to improve safety and maintain program reliability and accountability. - Checklist for Implementing Work Zone Speed Safety Cameras - 8/2/2024
The purpose of the Speed Safety Camera Program Planning and Operations Guide is to help jurisdictions plan, deploy, and operate SSC programs to improve safety and maintain program reliability and accountability.
Law Enforcement
- Safe and Effective Use of Law Enforcement Personnel in Work Zones - Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) developed this course that provides law enforcement agencies and personnel with practices and procedures to improve safety in work zones. The course covers the role of law enforcement officers in work zones; proper practices and procedures; the parts of a typical work zone; and standards and guidelines related to temporary traffic control in work zones.
- Web-Based Course (FHWA-NHI-133119) - Interactive, Web-based version of the course that is free and takes approximately 3.5 hours to complete. Registration is required.
- Fact Sheet 13 – Work Zone Training: Examples of What Agencies Are Doing - Fact sheet that briefly describes the FHWA course, as well as law enforcement training provided by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
Variable Speed Limit Systems
Selecting appropriate speed limits on roadways is important in maintaining a safe and efficient transportation network. Speed limits are established with an engineering study based on inputs like traffic volumes, operating speeds, roadway characteristics, and crash history. However, conditions on the roadway are susceptible to change in a short amount of time (e.g., congestion, crashes, weather).
Variable speed limit systems are a FHWA Proven Safety Countermeasure to improve safety during inclement weather and strive to harmonize speeds approaching and within the work zone, calming traffic flow and warning of slowed or stopped traffic ahead.
Learn more: https://workzonesafety.org/topics-of-interest/smart-work-zones/
