Articulate Program Priorities for Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Within Vendor Requests for Proposals.
Statewide Pilot Program Made Permanent After Being Found Effective in Reducing Speeds in Work Zones.
Pennsylvania, United States
Case Study of Pennsylvania’s Work Zone Speed Safety Camera Program
Summary Information
Speed safety cameras (SSCs) are a proven safety countermeasure to reduce speeds and crashes. In 2018, the Pennsylvania State legislature authorized a five-year Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement pilot program, which, after evaluation and demonstrated success, was made permanent in 2024. Implemented by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC), the program’s goal was to reduce speeds in works zones, improve driver behavior, save worker and traveler lives, complement existing enforcement, and promote overall work zone safety.
PennDOT and PTC noted the following lessons learned, among others, when initiating the work zone SSC pilot program:
- Articulate program priorities within the vendor RFP. SSC vendor technologies and backend processing systems vary, so agencies should emphasize their priorities in the vendor RFP. PennDOT prioritized reliability and proven solutions.
- Learn from peer agencies that already have work zone SSC programs. These agencies can provide useful recommendations. PennDOT met with the Maryland State Highway Administration early in the process.
- Engage with agency stakeholders, such as State police. PennDOT met with other agencies to facilitate collaboration and develop interagency agreements.
- Engage the traveling public. PennDOT developed public messaging distinguishing the program and refuting typical arguments against SSCs.
- Consider support from consultant staff. PennDOT and PTC recognized the need for consultant support for planning and logistics during the pilot’s development.
