A recent Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) decision will allow funding for new classes of construction and safety equipment, which will encourage competition and innovation and will improve safety for workers and motorists, the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) said.
To qualify for funding, states must provide the FHWA with assurances. Assurances include that the equipment will be used on a federal project within three months, that the equipment will be used for its intended purpose, and that the equipment will be maintained and not left idle.
The states also must provide documentation that they are in compliance with FHWA construction contracting agreements.
Funding can come from one of three federal programs: the Highway Safety Improvement Program, the National Highway Performance Program, or the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program Project.
“The decision is a win for ARTBA members and others in the transportation construction industry whose equipment was previously ineligible due to its ability to be used long-term, on multiple projects,” the association said.
ARTBA asked FHWA last year to clarify its position on movable safety barriers and whether state transportation departments can use federal-aid highway funds to purchase them.
Moveable barriers provide separation between road workers and traffic and are supported by the industry.