AL SB254

Engineers and contractors performing construction engineering, inspection, and maintenance services on highways, roads, bridges, or streets for government entities are not civilly liable unless injury or death is proximately caused by failure to substantially follow awarding authority specifications.

Engineers are relieved of liability for dangerous conditions if they provide written notice with specificity to the awarding authority, which must respond within 14 days; notification protects engineers from third-party claims regarding the reported condition.

Engineers bear no civil liability for design decisions or professional engineering judgment made by the awarding authority, for conditions outside the project scope, or for maintenance failures occurring after project conclusion.

Liability protections apply only to causes of action accruing after the bill's effective date and do not prevent awarding authorities from making claims against engineers except for indemnity claims involving non-contractual third parties.

The act becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor and applies to Alabama Department of Transportation, county, and local government road projects.