(a) In general

Section 402 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

(p) Work zone safety

(1) Use of funds

Subject to the requirements of the applicable triennial highway safety plan of the State, as approved by the Secretary under subsection (k), a State may use a portion of the amounts received under this section to promote the reduction of crashes, injuries, and fatalities in and adjacent to work zones, including—

(A)

providing grants, overtime, equipment, and operational support for law enforcement agencies to conduct dedicated high-visibility enforcement and safety patrols in or adjacent to work zones;

(B)

developing and deploying work zone modules for driver education, licensing examinations, and refresher trainings for commercial drivers and the general public;

(C)

purchasing, deploying, testing, and maintaining work zone alerting and intrusion-mitigation technologies (such as portable variable message signs, radar speed trailers, queue detection, connected-vehicle or in-vehicle alerts, and intrusion detection sensors), including pilot and demonstration projects;

(D)

implementing training and certification programs for flaggers, inspectors, and construction personnel on traveler management and worker protection; and

(E)

collecting work zone crash and near-miss data, evaluating countermeasures, and funding independent program evaluations and demonstration.

(2) Priority

In carrying out an activity described in paragraph (1), a State shall prioritize assisting Tribal governments and rural areas.

(b) GAO study

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall carry out, and submit to Congress a report describing the results of, a study on the effectiveness of work zone safety programs, including the program under section 402(p) of title 23, United States Code.