Relates to the bridge work zone safety act

Summary of provisions

Section 1 titles the bill the "bridge work zone safety act."

Section 2 of the bill amends section 22 of the transportation law by expanding the definition of "major active work zone" to work conducted on bridges in cities of one million or more.

Section 3 of the bill amends the administrative code of the City of New York by adding a new section 19-154 which authorizes New York City to develop and implement rules and regulations for increased safety in work zones on bridges. Such rules include having a police presence, to the extent practicable, in all major active work zones on bridges, the use of radar speed display signs in all major active work zones on bridges, and a system for reviewing work zone safety and design.

Section 4 of the bill amends the public authorities' law by adding a new section 553-j which authorizes the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) to develop and implement rules and regulations for increased safety in work zones on bridges run by the MTA. Such rules include having a police presence, to the extent practicable, in all major active work zones on bridges, the use of radar speed display signs in all major active work zones on bridges, and a system for reviewing work zone safety and design.

Section 5 of the bill amends Chapter 47 of the laws of 1931 relating to bridges and tunnels in New York and New Jersey by adding a new section 1-a which authorizes the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to develop and implement rules and regulations for increased safety in work zones on bridges run by the Port Authority. Such rules include having a police presence, to the extent practicable, in all major active work zones on bridges, the use of radar speed display signs in all major active work zones on bridges, and a system for reviewing work zone safety and design.

Section 6 of the bill states that the act shall take effect immediately, provided that Section 5 of the bill shall take effect upon enactment of identical language of Section 5 by New Jersey.

Existing law

Existing law does not explicitly cover bridges

Justification

Driving at an unsafe speed is the most common contributing factor in highway fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NETSA), of the over 42,000 traffic fatalities that occur every year, more than 1,200 occur in work zones. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports there is one work zone fatality every 8.2 hours, and one injury every nine minutes. Between 2008 and 2009, there were twelve deaths in work zones in New York State.

In the past five years, New York State has strived to minimize accidents in work zones. The Work Zone Safety Act of 2005 increased police presence in work zones. The Act, however, only included roads with speed limits over 55 miles per hour, which excludes New York City bridges. This bill would allow for improved safety for road maintenance workers and passerby on bridges.

Legislative history

New bill

Fiscal implications

By its terms, the legislation requires action only to "the extent practicable, given available resources."

Effective date

90 days after enactment