NDOT recognizes National Work Zone Awareness Week, reminds Nevada motorists to drive safely
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 04/15/2024 - 12:20pm
CARSON CITY — With major roadway improvements taking place across the region, the Nevada Department of Transportation, Nevada State Police, Highway Patrol and Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County are reminding motorists to drive safely in road work zones, including during National Work Zone Awareness Week held April 15-19.
Drivers will see multiple road work zones as NDOT and partners invest in road improvements across northern Nevada. That includes lane closures as NDOT widens and improves a section of U.S. 395 in the North Valleys, as well as Pyramid Highway. Additional highway improvements will also reconstruct sections of U.S. 395 through downtown Gardnerville. State road construction travel impacts are available by logging onto NVRoads.com or calling ‘511’ before driving.
The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County is also continuing major road improvement projects like the Oddie / Wells Project, designed to improve safety and multimodal access, and the Steamboat Parkway Improvement Project, focused on widening the road between Damonte Ranch Parkway and Veterans Parkway. The Stanford Way, North Virginia Street University Rehabilitation and South Virginia Street Safety projects will help improve safety while preserving and maintaining those roadways for our community for years.
NDOT and partners place work zone signage, reduced speed limits, temporary rumble strips and safety barriers, electronic radar speed signs, overhead lighting and more to enhance visibility and safety of road work zones.
Fines can be doubled for speeding in marked work zones when workers are present.
“Troopers with the Nevada Highway Patrol work daily across the state to ensure safety on our roadways, and that includes work zones,” said Nevada Highway Patrol Major Tony Roth. “Please slow down, focus on the road and follow the work zone speed limits. We all share the road — so let’s work together to keep it safe for everyone.”
National Work Zone Awareness Week is sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration to bring national attention to motorist and worker safety and mobility in work zones.
SAFE WORK ZONE DRIVING TIPS
· Plan ahead and give yourself time to reach your destination.
· Nevada law doubles the penalty for speeding, up to $1,000, in any marked road construction or maintenance work zone when workers are present.
· Always slow to posted work zone speed limits and slow for and obey construction signs and flaggers.
· Don’t tailgate. Keep a safe distance from cars ahead, traffic barriers, construction equipment and workers.
· Watch for and follow all warning, lane/ramp closure and construction detour signs, and be prepared to change lanes or merge as directed by road signs or flaggers.
· Always buckle up and do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or while sleepy or distracted.
· Continue to pay attention to work zone signs, even in areas of long-term road work.
· Don’t resume normal driving speed until you see roadway signs indicating it is safe to do so.
