The deaths of several employees in highway work zone crashes over the last few years convinced the Arkansas Department of Transportation to sharpen its “Safety First” focus to ensure agency employees are working in the safest environment possible. To that end, the Arkansas DOT used grant funding provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act or IIJA to help purchase new debris removal equipment to reduce employee exposure in highway work zones. That grant funding allowed the agency to purchase “lane blades” and other truck-mounted debris removal devices so maintenance crews could remove trash from the travel lanes without leaving the safety of their vehicle. Other Arkansas DOT worker safety initiatives included the addition of high-visibility green lights to vehicles and high-visibility green vests; measures that improve visibility, protection, and efficiency – ensuring a safer environment for both workers and the driving public. Arkansas DOT said those efforts help minimize risks associated with work zones and create a safer infrastructure for all road users. By prioritizing safety, the less than $10 million initiative help reduce crashes and promote a culture of awareness throughout the community. Overall, such safety initiatives serve as a critical investment in employee and public well-being and economic vitality, the agency said.