After deadly I‑695 crash, legislators hear work‑zone safety recommendations and proposed enforcement changes

The subcommittee discussed highway worker safety measures after a March work‑zone crash that killed six construction workers. DLS analyst Carrie Cook summarized the work‑zone safety work group’s recommendations — which split recommendations between driver behavior (public education, increased enforcement, automated speed enforcement) and roadway operations (barriers, inspection updates, constructability reviews).

Cook highlighted that the work group’s report includes items that require legislation to expand automated speed enforcement and increase fines for speeding in work zones. Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said MDOT has already implemented several operational responses, including increasing state trooper presence in work zones and introducing variable speed limits and speed feedback signs. He and committee members endorsed pursuing statutory changes to allow broader deployment of automated enforcement technology and to raise citation amounts for work‑zone speeding.

Lawmakers and advocates pressed for contractor training and consistent field practices. Secretary Wiedefeld and MDOT staff described ongoing efforts to improve certification and work zone constructability and emphasized the need to partner with law enforcement and the construction community for cultural and operational changes.

No formal bill vote occurred at the hearing; Secretary Wiedefeld said the department “looks forward to working with the legislature to pass this important legislation,” naming the Maryland Road Worker Protection Act of 2024 as the session vehicle.

The committee requested implementation status updates for priority recommendations identified in a prior federal review of the Highway Safety Office and asked MDOT to report on progress and any additional funding needs.