Message Monday - June 29, 2015 - Orange Cones = No Phones
As we cruise into summer, the number of work zones is at its peak on Iowa’s roadways. To plan ahead for your July 4th weekend and other summer travel, check out the DOT’s 2015 major construction project website to provide motorists information on major construction projects that may impact travel.
The site, http://www.iowadot.gov/roadconstruction/2015Projects/index.html, includes an interactive map containing the 47 highway or bridge projects across Iowa that have the potential to cause a major impact to the traveling public. It provides detailed information about each project, including the project location, description, start date, completion date, contracted cost, and more, updated weekly. The map does not contain all Iowa DOT projects that are happening this construction season.
“People often want to see an overview of the larger projects the Iowa DOT is working on and the areas of the state that are being impacted. The website allows us to offer this information to our customers,” said Mark Bortle, from the Office of Construction & Materials. “This year we’ve made several improvements to the website including look, layout, and ease of navigating through the information.”
The construction website complements www.511ia.org, the Iowa DOT’s traveler information website that provides the most up-to-date information to help motorists plan their trip. You can also access 511 by calling 511 (in Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide) or following 511 on Twitter @iowadot or @statewideia511.
Following a few simple guidelines can greatly improve safety in a work zone for both drivers and workers.
- Expect the unexpected in any work zone along any road.
- Slow down. Be alert. Pay attention to the signs.
- Watch out for flaggers.
- Merge as soon as possible.
- Slow down when directed.
- Don’t tailgate.
- Work zones may be mobile.
- Expect delays.
Texting and driving a shopping cart is not acceptable, neither is texting and driving. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyhlI1kElr4
The fatality count of 128 is an increase of four from last Monday. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, go to http://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/stats/daily.pdf.