The Construction Channel

Kay Ivey Signs Work Zone Safety Bill | Inside Alabama’s State Capitol

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey officially signed Senate Bill 341 on Thursday, enacting the state's Work Zone Safety Act. The legislation, announced at the Capitol in Montgomery, aims to tighten safety protocols for construction crews operating in highway work zones. The Alabama chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) highlighted its role in shaping the bill, noting that the state has been a national leader in work‑zone safety initiatives. A key component of the act is an education program that brings safety messages into schools, teaching children to recognize workers in high‑visibility vests and to call out reckless drivers. AGC director of government relations Trey Zar emphasized the personal stakes, saying, “We can’t get complacent… protecting our workers on the side of the road is everything.” He also described the outreach effort with the mascot Vikito, which engages students across the state. The law’s immediate effect is to impose stricter standards for traffic control, signage, and worker protection, potentially reducing accidents and liability costs. Industry observers expect the measure to set a benchmark for other states and to boost public awareness of construction‑zone hazards.