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U.S. 50 Work Zone Increases Safety Measures

July 6, 2004 (04-90)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

News Contact: Stan Whitley, (785) 296-3585

Increased safety measures planned by
KDOT and KHP in U.S. 50 work zone

Increased safety measures by the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Kansas Highway Patrol will be in place when work resumes at a U.S. 50 road maintenance site near Peabody.

KDOT and the KHP are joining forces to enhance safety at the site where two fatality traffic accidents recently occurred. Work at the site was stopped June 29 and will resume on Wednesday, weather permitting.

KDOT will divert traffic partially onto the 10-foot wide, paved shoulder, where vehicles must pass over built-in rumble strips. As an additional measure to alert motorists, KDOT will place two CB radio alert devices on either end of the project. The devices, which have a broadcast range of two miles, will send a message to alert truckers and other motorists who use CB radios of the maintenance work.

“We urge motorists to drive with caution in the U.S. 50 work zone and all other road work zones in the state,” said KDOT Secretary of Transportation Deb Miller. “It’s imperative that motorists slow down and be attentive because a variety of conditions can be encountered in work zones, including slow moving equipment, narrow lanes, concrete barriers and uneven pavement.”

The KHP will be increasing the number of random inspections of tractor-trailers in the area when work resumes. Inspections by the patrol will be checking log books, the condition of the truck driver and their rigs, including brakes and headlights.

Motorists should be aware that the KHP will start monitoring the U.S. 50 work zone for traffic violations. Funding for the enforcement will be provided by KDOT’s Work Zone Safety Public Awareness Campaign and the KHP’s Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program.

“Troopers will be enforcing state laws to insure the safety of both workers and motorists,” said KHP Superintendent Col. William Seck. “You should drive defensively and obey the speed limit in all work zones.”

Speeding in Kansas work zones can be financially costly with double fines accessed. For example, driving up to 20 miles over the speed limit could cost you nearly $250 in fines and court costs.

  KDOT and the KHP offers the following tips to help keep you safe in work zones.

• Dedicate your full attention to the roadway
• Don’t speed in work zones
• Leave plenty of space between vehicles when traveling in work zones
• Obey road crew flaggers
• Stay alert and minimize distractions
• Periodically watch for approaching vehicles in your rear view mirror
• Expect the unexpected because work zones can change
• Be patient and stay calm

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