The proposed bill establishes new regulations to ensure continuous, safe, and accessible pedestrian passage during construction projects in specific zones, including hospital impact zones, public park impact zones, roadway work zones, school speed zones, and school walk zones. It mandates that permittees maintain pedestrian access throughout the duration of their work, prohibiting sidewalk closures unless it can be demonstrated that no feasible alternative exists. The bill also outlines requirements for temporary pedestrian routes, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and mandates that permittees submit a pedestrian access safety plan to the permitting authority prior to commencing work.

Additionally, the bill grants the permitting authority the power to inspect work zones for compliance and to issue stop work orders or civil penalties for violations. It requires local governments and public or private entities to adhere to these new regulations when permitting work in the specified zones. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2027, and includes provisions for the adoption of rules to implement the chapter, as well as the addition of new sections to existing RCW chapters to ensure compliance with these requirements.