Job-Site Safety Institute Announces New Grant to Improve Safety in Roadway Construction Zones Through Connected Worker Digital Technology
Mick McDonald
mmcdonald@bmico.com
RALEIGH, N.C. (March 17, 2026) – The Job-Site Safety Institute (JSI), a nonprofit research and educational organization dedicated to improving safety and protecting lives, has announced a new grant supporting research by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) Foundation that will work to improve safety in roadway construction zones.
Through this grant, the ARTBA Foundation will test connected worker technologies on live construction projects, collect crash and near-miss data, and compare outcomes against non-connected sites. The Foundation will work alongside mobile electronic traffic control equipment manufacturer Ver-Mac to complete the study.
“The ARTBA and Ver-Mac team will pilot test digitally connected Smart Work Zones to link workers and motorists in real time,” said Walter Jones, Research Project Co-Director with Ver-Mac. “By turning live construction sites into data-driven labs, we will show that connected technology can—and will—save lives."
A Smart Work Zone is comprised of a network of connected roadside devices. These sensors and probes collect traffic information, which is then analyzed by algorithms. Preset informational messages are then automatically published on portable changeable message signs and traffic control devices. This information alerts drivers of road work locations, work zone speed limits, lane merges and more, to prepare motorists to drive safely through the work zone.
"With 899 lives lost in work zones in 2023 alone, status quo is no longer an option to protect workers maintaining and improving our nation’s roadways,” said Brad Sant, Executive Director of Training, ARTBA Foundation.
Putting sensors on workers to collect additional data can make roadway work zones safer for workers by automatically communicating real-time worker presence by way of the Cloud, to traffic control devices, motorist, contractors, state agencies, and other relevant parties.
“Every day, workers nationwide put themselves at risk to build and maintain the roads that keep our country moving,” said Erik Anderson, JSI Board Chair. “By funding this study, we are supporting critical research that can reduce risk, improve communication, and establish meaningful safety metrics for future roadway projects.”
Following data collection, the Foundation will review connected worker and smart work zone digital technologies to determine safety and utility.
Learn more about the Job-Site Safety Institute at www.jssafety.org.
- - -
About JSI: Founded by Builders Mutual, JSI is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. This research and educational organization is dedicated to eliminating all job-site related injuries and deaths in the construction industry. Research by JSI will play a critical role in improving on-the-job safety and saving lives.
About the ARTBA Foundation: The Foundation, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt entity, promotes research, education, and public awareness about the impacts of transportation investment. The Foundation supports an array of initiatives, including educational scholarships, awards, professional development academies, roadway work zone safety and training programs, economic reports, and an exhibition on transportation at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
About Ver-Mac: Ver-Mac is a leading manufacturer of portable connected traffic control and security equipment, as well as a software provider. Recognized for its smart work zone and fleet management solutions, the company is dedicated to enhancing work zone safety by generating and sharing real-time data via connected ecosystems. Founded in 1957, Ver-Mac has a strong presence across North America and distributes its products worldwide. For more information, visit www.ver-mac.com.