Work Zone Safety in South Texas: Safe Actions Save Lives

This resource is designed for South Texas commercial contractors and safety managers preparing for the 2026 construction season. With new federal rules and rising crash rates, understanding and implementing work zone safety is more important than ever. Work zone safety is not just a regulatory requirement—it is a critical responsibility for every contractor and safety manager working on South Texas highways. This guide covers work zone safety best practices for South Texas contractors, outlining why work zone safety matters and how to protect crews and road users.

Why Work Zone Safety Is Critical

Drivers should always slow down and never exceed the posted work zone speed limit, as fines for speeding are often doubled in these areas. Maintaining extra space between your vehicle and the one in front is crucial in work zones, as sudden stops are common and rear-end collisions are a leading cause of work zone crashes. Speeding and distracted driving contribute to more than half of all work zone crashes. These behaviors are especially dangerous in high-traffic corridors like I-35, I-10, and Loop 1604, where the margin for error is slim, and the consequences can be severe.

Glossary of Key Terms

• Work Zone: A designated area on a roadway where construction, maintenance, or utility work is taking place. Work zones are marked by signs, cones, barriers, and flaggers to alert drivers and protect workers.
• Positive Protection: Physical barriers such as concrete barriers or crash cushions that separate workers from live traffic, required in certain work zones by federal regulations.
• TCP (Traffic Control Plan): A detailed plan outlining the placement of signs, cones, barriers, and flaggers to safely guide traffic through or around a work zone.
• Slowing Down: Drivers should always reduce speed in work zones, as fines for speeding are often doubled and lower speeds give drivers more time to react to sudden changes.
• Maintaining Space: Keeping extra distance between vehicles is essential, as sudden stops are common and rear-end collisions are a leading cause of work zone crashes.
• Avoiding Distractions: Speeding and distracted driving contribute to more than half of all work zone crashes, making attentive driving critical for safety.

Key Takeaways

• National work zone fatalities reached 899 in 2023, a 50% increase since 2013, with four in five victims being drivers and passengers rather than workers.
• The December 2024 FHWA rule now requires positive protection devices in zones with speeds ≥45 mph or durations ≥2 weeks—directly impacting I-35, I-10, and Loop 1604 projects.
• National Work Zone Awareness Week 2026 (April 20–24) provides a structured opportunity to reinforce discipline in traffic control plans, speed management, and SIF prevention.
• ABC South Texas members should leverage STEP, AQC pathways, and local training partnerships to harden every active zone this week and beyond.

Why Work Zone Safety Demands South Texas Contractors’ Attention in 2026

The numbers are stark: 899 people died in U.S. work zone crashes in 2023. Fatalities have climbed 50% since 2013. Four out of five victims are road users—drivers and passengers—not the workers protected behind cones. The 2025 AGC Work Zone Awareness Survey found that 60% of highway contractors nationwide reported at least one vehicle crash in their zones, and 43% reported worker injuries.

For South Texas commercial contractors working on I-35, I-10, and Loop 1604, these aren’t abstract statistics. Texas alone recorded more than 28,000 work zone crashes in 2025, resulting in 203 fatalities. Speed was a factor in 34% of fatal crashes in 2022. When commercial motor vehicles enter narrow lanes at highway speeds, the margin for error disappears.

ABC South Texas views zone safety as a core business strategy—protecting life, schedule, and the merit shop brand.

Transitioning from the broader context, let’s examine the specific risks South Texas contractors face in their daily operations.

South Texas Work Zone Risk Profile

South Texas contractors face unique exposure on high-volume corridors:

• I-35 San Antonio–New Braunfels: Heavy freight and commuter traffic, frequent lane shifts, elevated rear-end crash risk
• I-10 Boerne–Seguin: Rural-to-urban transitions where drivers don’t expect reduced speed limits
• Loop 1604 and US 281: Long-term expansion projects with complex ramp closures
• Eagle Ford industrial routes: Large vehicles, professional drivers, and low-light conditions

JBSA-adjacent projects demand extra caution—federal clients expect compliance. The Texas Move Over law requires drivers to slow to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when passing roadside workers. Train crews on how this law interacts with traffic patterns in your zones.

Understanding these risks sets the stage for targeted safety initiatives during National Work Zone Awareness Week.

National Work Zone Awareness Week 2026

NWZAW 2026 runs April 20–24 with the theme “Safe Actions Save Lives,” hosted by Connecticut DOT. This Connecticut work zone safety initiative is directly relevant to South Texas markets experiencing rapid growth.

The theme aligns with ABC South Texas SIF prevention messaging: small, repeatable actions—setting tapers correctly, enforcing PPE, staying alert—prevent catastrophic outcomes. Use this week to raise awareness among crews, subcontractors, and the public. Expect detours in normal routines as you complete safety stand-downs and training events.

With awareness week as a catalyst, it’s important to understand the regulatory changes that will impact your projects.

New FHWA Work Zone Safety Rule: What Changes Now

The December 2024 FHWA update—the first in 20 years—requires positive protection devices (concrete barriers, crash cushions) in work zones with:

• Expected speeds of 45 mph or higher
• Project durations of two weeks or more

For South Texas contractors, this means:

• Coordinate early with TxDOT area offices on MOT plans
• Factor barrier mobilization into schedules and cost estimates
• Update internal work zone templates by mid-2026

On I-10, I-35, and SH 130, operations that previously used cones alone now require barriers. Download the latest TxDOT guidance to ensure compliance.

Understanding these regulatory changes helps contractors prioritize operational safety measures.

Operational Priorities to Protect Your Crews

Reinforce these controllable practices during NWZAW:

TCP Discipline

• Verify sign spacing, taper length, and buffer space match approved plans

Speed Management

• Deploy temporary speed feedback signs; schedule exposure-heavy tasks during off-peak hours

Flagger Positioning

• Maintain extra space from live traffic; ensure escape routes and working radios

High-Visibility PPE

• Require ANSI Class 3 with supplemental lighting for night shifts

Pre-Task Planning

• Conduct daily JHAs addressing vehicle intrusion and struck-by risks

Obey the plan as approved—no field redesign by convenience. Supervisors should audit active zones and pause work if they observe unsafe speeds or distracted driving behaviors.

By focusing on these operational priorities, contractors can connect their efforts to broader ABC South Texas safety programs.

Connecting to ABC South Texas Programs

ABC South Texas provides the support structure to win at zone safety:

• STEP Safety Management System: Benchmark performance, reduce SIFs, demonstrate leadership engagement
• AQC Designation: Signal to TxDOT and federal clients that your company delivers safe, ethical work
• Training Partnerships: Enroll in UT Arlington courses, OSHA 10/30, and CPR/First Aid through the chapter

These pathways protect workers, strengthen your interest in public bids, and reinforce merit shop values.

Leveraging these programs, you can activate a daily plan for National Work Zone Awareness Week.

Daily Activation Plan: April 20–24

Map out your week now. These campaigns require minimal budget but direct engagement.

To ensure every zone is ready, use the following checklist before each shift.

Final Checklist for Every Active Zone

TCP Compliance

• TCP matches approved plan

Positive Protection

• Positive protection installed where required

Speed Control

• Speed control measures active

Flagger Safety

• Flagger stations have escape routes

PPE Standards

• PPE is ANSI-compliant and clean

Pre-task Planning

• Pre-task plan addresses struck-by risks

Subcontractor Briefings

• Subcontractors and haul trucks are instructed on entry/exit paths

These checks embody “Safe Actions Save Lives” and demonstrate the merit shop commitment to doing the right thing.

ABC South Texas: Training and Support

Take action this week:

• Register for UT Arlington partnership courses on work zone traffic control
• Schedule OSHA 10/30 seats for foremen and flaggers
• Enroll key staff in CPR/First Aid for remote highway response capability
• Start your STEP submission or AQC application

Contact ABC South Texas for current class schedules and program guidance. Strong work zone performance protects your people and positions your firm to lead in South Texas construction.

Essential Work Zone Safety Facts and Resources

• In 2022, there were an estimated 96,000 work zone crashes in the United States.
• In 2022, there were 981 fatalities in work zone crashes across the country.
• Drivers should always slow down and never exceed the posted work zone speed limit, as fines for speeding are often doubled in these areas.
• Maintaining extra space between your vehicle and the one in front is crucial in work zones, as sudden stops are common and rear-end collisions are a leading cause of work zone crashes.
• Speeding and distracted driving contribute to more than half of all work zone crashes.
• Work zone safety training programs, such as those offered in Connecticut and Kansas, are designed to educate drivers about the specific hazards and regulations associated with work zones.
• The National Teen Driver Work Zone Safe Course is a free program available for teens across the United States to learn about safe driving in work zones.
• The North Carolina Work Zone Safe for Teens course is a required program for teens ages 17 and younger to complete in order to obtain their learner’s permit.

For more information on training and state-specific requirements, contact your local DOT or visit the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the December 2024 FHWA rule apply to existing TxDOT contracts?

TxDOT incorporates FHWA requirements into contract specifications. New drivers to the bidding process should review the updated Barricade and Construction standards. Existing contracts may require modifications—initiate conversations with TxDOT project engineers about positive protection additions as a prerequisite to continuing work in high-speed zones.

What are the fines for Oklahoma work zone violations, and how do Texas penalties compare?

While Oklahoma work zone laws impose doubled fines for speeding violations, Texas similarly enhances penalties in active zones. Both the Department of Transportation policies emphasize enforcement partnerships. South Texas contractors should coordinate with law enforcement sponsors to ensure that drivers face appropriate consequences for ignoring signs and speed limits.

How can smaller subcontractors improve safety when they don’t control the traffic control plan?

Request and review the TCP before mobilizing. Conduct independent pre-task briefings on access, egress, and vehicle intrusion risks. Speak up to the GC if you observe missing signs, unsafe pedestrian exposure, or non-compliant barriers. Under the merit shop philosophy, every contractor has the responsibility to stop work for imminent danger—regardless of tier. Learn more through OSHA 10/30 courses to better articulate hazards to controlling employers.