Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday signed Senate Bill 341, the Alabama Work Zone Safety Act, establishing a pilot program authorizing the procurement, installation, and operation of a photographic speed enforcement system within interstate highway work zones in Alabama.

The signing comes just ahead of National Work Zone Awareness Week.

“Currently in Alabama, there is roadwork ongoing in all 67 counties, including on our major roadways. It is just critical that we all drive carefully through work zones,” said Ivey. “I was proud to put my signature on the Alabama Work Zone Safety Act that will help us improve safety around our roadwork and the enforcement mechanisms going forward. As we are rebuilding Alabama in all 67 counties, let’s keep the men and women doing the hard work, as well as our fellow motorists and ourselves, safe!”

According to the governor’s office, SB341 also requires reports to the Legislature studying the effectiveness of the pilot program.

“The Alabama Work Zone Safety Act is about protecting the men and women who work hard each and every day to keep our roads safe and functional,” said State Sen. Josh Carnley (R-Ino). “The Alabama Work Zone Safety Act gives us a smart, data-driven approach to improving safety in some of the most dangerous areas on our roads while holding reckless drivers accountable. I appreciate my colleagues in the Legislature for their support in advancing this measure and thank Governor Ivey for her leadership in signing this important legislation into law.”

The governor’s office said Alabama recorded 2,543 crashes in highway work zones last year, including approximately 11 fatalities and 709 injuries. With a historic amount of road work underway across the state, Ivey said the law comes at an important time.

“Our highway workers deserve to return home safely at the end of every workday, and this law will help make that happen,” said State Rep. Mike Kirkland (R-Scottsboro). “By implementing innovative tools to slow drivers down in work zones, we are taking a meaningful step toward preventing tragic accidents and saving lives. I am grateful to my colleagues in the Legislature for their support and to Governor Ivey for her continued commitment to public safety across Alabama.”

A driver awareness program will launch in October, with full enforcement expected to begin before the end of the year, according to the governor’s office.