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Idaho Transportation
Department

Office of Communications
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
208.334.8005
Fax: 208.334.8563

 


Motorists urged to use caution in work zones
as highway construction activity picks up statewide

Relatively mild winter conditions in Idaho this year enabled a number of highway construction projects to continue uninterrupted. Activity on many other projects either has resumed or will begin in the coming weeks.

Increased highway construction brings a renewed plea by ITD for motorists to drive carefully through work zones – for their own safety and for the safety of construction workers.

“Work zones are the most hazardous areas on our state highway system,” explains Chief Engineer Tom Cole. “We urge drivers to use extreme caution when passing through those areas so they can arrive at their destination safely and construction workers can return home to their loved ones.”
He recommends a common-sense approach to driving in work zones:

  • Check before leaving home to determine whether you might encounter highway construction. Call 5-1-1 or check 511.idaho.gov
  • Slow down and drive at the posted speed limit or at speeds appropriate for conditions
  • Adhere to traffic signs and follow the directions of flaggers and pilot cars, when present
  • Anticipate heavy equipment operating in the area
  • Watch for altered traffic patterns or reduced lane widths
  • Be wary of gravel driving surfaces, especially while operating motorcycles
  • Devote your full attention to driving and avoid distractions such as cell phone use
  • Expect delays and exercise patience. Some projects may require delays of 15 minutes, so adjust your travel schedule accordingly

“Safety in our work zones is no accident,” Cole added. “Following these simple cautions will help ensure the safety of drivers, passengers and construction workers.”

More than 700 individuals lost their lives in work zone crashes last year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Federal Highway Administration, ITD and other state departments of transportation draw special attention to Work zone Safety Awareness Week, scheduled nationwide April 19-23.

Transportation officials will assemble at 10:30 a.m. April 19 in New York City’s Battery Park to launch the national 2010 National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) campaign. The kickoff location is next to the Whitehall Ferry Terminal.

The safe and efficient flow of traffic through work zones is a major concern to transportation officials, industry, the public, businesses, and commercial motor carriers. The FHWA has developed the National Highway Work Zone Safety Program (NHWZSP) to reduce the fatalities and injurious crashes in work zones, and to enhance traffic operation and safety within work zones.

To learn more about all aspects of work zones, visit the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse (NWZSIC) Web site, www.workzonesafety.org.

The NWZSIC started in 1998 is a joint effort between FHWA, the Texas Transportation Institute, and ARTBA. The annual campaign is managed by the FHWA Office of Safety http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/.

The primary purpose of the Clearinghouse is to promote safety for workers, motorists, and facility owners and operators in roadway construction work zones. It is perhaps the largest online repository of work zone information, containing on-line databases, work zone crash and fatality statistics, training programs, research services, webinars, video vault, and current events related to work zone safety and the deliverables from the Work Zone Safety Grants provided by the federal transportation bill.

Published 4-2-2010