Work Zone Weather Integration Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- S. 2900
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-18: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-16T16:41:57Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Work Zone Weather Integration Act of 2025 aims to enhance roadway safety by creating a pilot program that combines real-time weather hazard warnings with information about ongoing road construction or work zones. This integration helps drivers avoid dangers from weather events in areas where roads are being worked on.
Key Provisions
- Establishment of Pilot Program: The Secretary of Transportation, working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), must set up a voluntary pilot program to test the real-time merging of weather alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS) with data on active work zones (like construction sites).
- Specific Goals:
- Create technical standards (protocols) for linking NWS weather alerts with location and status updates from work zones.
- Test and review these systems in partnership with state transportation departments.
- Evaluate the practicality, expenses, and safety benefits of expanding this system across the entire country.
- Participation Requirements: The program must include at least five states, with at least one being a rural state. Participating states can use certain federal highway safety funds (under Section 402 of Title 23, U.S. Code) to cover related costs.
- Coordination Efforts: The Secretary must work with federal agencies like the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), NWS, and other NOAA parts. It also involves private companies that provide navigation apps, vehicle tracking (telematics), and travel info services when relevant.
- Reporting Requirement: Within three years of the law's enactment, the Secretary and NOAA must submit a report to Senate and House committees on transportation. The report will cover program activities, key lessons learned, and suggestions for nationwide rollout.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new federal pilot program, which does not amend prior laws directly but adds a mandate for the Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop and test integrated safety alert systems. It builds on existing federal funding for highway safety (e.g., allowing use of Section 402 funds) without altering their core rules. No major repeals or overhauls of current transportation or weather laws are included.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: DOT and NOAA will need to invest time and resources in coordination, technology development, and reporting, potentially leading to better inter-agency collaboration on road safety. State transportation departments may see streamlined operations if the system proves effective.
- On Citizens: Drivers, especially in work zones during bad weather, could benefit from timely alerts via apps or signs, reducing accidents and improving travel safety. Rural areas are specifically targeted for inclusion, addressing potential gaps in less urban regions.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic U.S. roadways and weather systems.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: DOT (including FHWA and NHTSA), NOAA (including NWS).
- State Governments: Departments of transportation in at least five participating states, particularly rural ones.
- Private Sector: Companies offering navigation, telematics (vehicle data services), and traveler information tools, which may integrate the new alerts.
- General Public: Drivers and road users who could experience safer conditions in work zones affected by weather hazards.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill relies on existing federal authority over highway safety and weather services, with no new regulatory burdens on private entities beyond voluntary participation. It promotes data sharing but does not address privacy concerns explicitly, which could arise in future expansions.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce and fund transportation infrastructure; no apparent conflicts with state rights, as participation is voluntary.
- Political: Emphasizes practical safety improvements through technology, potentially appealing across party lines by focusing on infrastructure without significant new spending mandates. The three-year evaluation timeline allows for evidence-based decisions on broader implementation, avoiding rushed nationwide changes.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-18: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2025-09-18: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Work Zone Weather Integration Act of 2025 — issued 2025-09-18 — PDF (4 pages)