FHWA’s $550M I-10 Bridge Investment Highlights the Need for Work Zone Safety

Introduction

On May 6, 2025, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced a $550 million grant to fund Alabama’s I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project, a massive $3.5 billion effort to replace aging infrastructure and boost safety along a corridor serving over 78,000 vehicles daily. This landmark investment underscores a critical truth: major infrastructure projects demand robust work zone safety to protect workers and drivers. At Eastern Metal Signs and Safety, our MUTCD-compliant signs, cones, and barricades are designed to keep work zones safe and compliant, supporting the kind of high-stakes projects FHWA champions.

The Challenge: Work Zone Safety in Major Projects

The I-10 project will replace 50-year-old bridges and tunnels with a modern six-lane bridge and elevated Bayway, easing congestion and improving hurricane resilience. But construction of this scale brings risks. Work zones are dangerous—nationwide, they see hundreds of crashes annually, with 80% of fatalities involving drivers or passengers, not workers. FHWA’s focus on safety, evident in its November 2024 work zone rule updates, emphasizes clear signage, positive protection devices, and data-driven traffic management to minimize these risks.

Projects like the I-10 bridge highlight the need for reliable safety measures. With traffic projected to reach 95,000 vehicles daily by 2045, contractors must ensure work zones are clearly marked and hazards are minimized, especially during complex phases like demolition or lane realignments.

How Eastern Metal Supports Work Zone Safety

Eastern Metal Signs and Safety provides industry-leading products to meet FHWA’s rigorous standards, ensuring work zones stay safe and compliant:

• Reflective Orange Signs: Our high-visibility signs, placed in advance warning areas, alert drivers to construction zones, reducing crash risks and meeting MUTCD standards.

• Fluorescent Pink Roll-Ups: Perfect for emergency detours or sudden lane closures, these portable signs offer unmatched visibility, helping crews manage dynamic traffic patterns.

• Portable Sign Stands and Black-Base Cones: Quick to set up, our stands and cones create clear boundaries, guiding drivers safely through construction sites.

• Durable Barricades: Built for tough conditions, our barricades provide positive protection, aligning with FHWA’s push for safer work zones.

These solutions are crafted for durability and compliance, making them ideal for high-traffic projects in challenging environments like Alabama’s coastal region.

Why Work Zone Safety Matters

FHWA’s investment in the I-10 project is a step toward safer, more efficient infrastructure, but its success depends on protecting workers and drivers during construction. As Alabama Governor Kay Ivey noted, this project is “a game-changer” for Mobile and beyond. Clear, compliant signage and safety equipment are critical to preventing accidents and ensuring projects stay on track. With over 38,000 work zone injuries reported annually, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Call to Action

Whether you’re managing a highway project or a local road repair, Eastern Metal Signs and Safety has the tools to keep your work zone safe. Explore our full range of MUTCD-compliant signs, roll-ups, cones, and barricades. Contact us today to learn how we can support your next project with solutions that meet FHWA standards and prioritize safety.