Rethinking Work Zone Barriers in an Era of Heavier, Faster Traffic
Work zones are complex environments where worker protection depends heavily on infrastructure that was originally designed for different traffic conditions.
In this interview for National Work Zone Awareness Week, Archie Scott III, mechanical engineer and founder of Asynt Solutions, discusses how many work zones still rely on concrete barrier systems developed decades ago — before today’s heavier vehicles, higher operating speeds and updated federal crash standards. He explains the hidden risks associated with legacy barriers, including fragmentation and secondary debris hazards that can increase danger for crews inside the work zone.
Scott also breaks down how newer, energy-absorbing barrier systems behave differently during impacts, what MASH TL-3 compliance looks like in real-world deployments, and what contractors, DOTs and policymakers should be prioritizing as they plan work zone protection strategies for the 2026 construction season.
About the Author
Jessica Parks, Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Jessica Parks is a staff writer at Roads & Bridges with newsroom experience in Brooklyn, Long Island and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and several years spent living in Puerto Rico. She is currently based in Massachusetts.