Who has the authority to establish a highway work zone?

A municipal governing authority has the authority to establish a highway work zone because they are responsible for local road management and maintenance within their jurisdiction. This includes overseeing construction and road work that may impact local traffic. A municipal authority can assess local needs, coordinate with contractors, and ensure that the work zone is properly marked and that necessary traffic control measures are in place to protect both workers and drivers.

While other entities like state traffic authorities and the federal transportation department have broader responsibilities for road safety and policy, they typically do not manage the specific work zones at the municipal level. The county police department may enforce laws and help manage traffic in work zones but does not have the authority to establish them. Therefore, the role of the municipal governing authority is vital in determining when and how highway work zones are created on local roads.