Traffic safety: work zones: positive protection measures.

Existing law authorizes traffic to be restricted through or around the work on streets and highways whenever the traffic would endanger the safety of workers or the work would interfere with, or endanger the movement of, traffic through the work zone. Existing law authorizes traffic in work zones to be regulated by warning signs, lights, appropriate control devices, or by a person or persons controlling and directing the flow of traffic. This bill would require the Department of Transportation to update guidance by July 1, 2021, to specify the appropriate use of positive protection measures with the goal of isolating workers or work zones from traffic. The bill would require the department to provide compensation for the use of a safety device where the updated guidance allows, but does not require, the optional safety device when requested by a contractor on a public works project. The bill would require the department to submit a report to the Legislature by January 1, 2024, that includes findings and recommendations on the use of positive protection measures used pursuant to these provisions. The bill would make legislative findings and declarations in support of these provisions.