GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Although there may be less traffic due to stay-at-home orders, those on the road may be inclined to speed, which has state officials concerned as road crews return to work.
“Motorists might have the tendency to speed a little more because traffic is lighter, but we really need you to focus and slow down through work zones,’’ said John Richard, a spokesman for the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Data from around the state indicate traffic volumes are down 60 percent due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s tempting to drive faster when traffic is light,’’ said MDOT engineer Chris Brookes. “But even with lower traffic volumes, it’s so important to slow down through these work zones for the safety of everyone.’’
The message takes on more significance during National Work Zone Awareness Week, which got underway Monday.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, more than 700 people died in highway work-zone crashes in 2018.
Four out of five work zone fatalities were drivers or passengers, according to Federal Highway Administration data.
“Please remember to always stay focused, follow posted speed limits and drive with care and caution through work zones,’’ U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said in a news release.
Public relations campaigns and stiffer penalties for work-zone violations have helped keep road crews safer, but Richard said distracted driving and speeding continue to be problematic.
“Every year we lose not only motorists, bur road workers to crashes that are preventable,’’ he said.
A 54-year-old construction worker died last fall after being struck in a work zone on eastbound I-96 in Ionia County. The at-fault driver was charged with a 15-year felony.
Spring construction projects have started or soon will get underway in western Michigan.
Resurfacing work is planned for portions of I-196 in Ottawa County. In Kent County's Byron Township, replacement of the 100th Street bridge over U.S. 131 is underway.
And next week, reconfiguration of the I-96/I-196 interchange at East Beltline Avenue NE will commence.
The new configuration is part of a $40 million project that began last year. It will create dedicated exit lanes from eastbound I-96 and I-196 to the East Beltline.
The project was to be completed in mid-July, but that may change due to COVID-19 delays.
“Even though traffic volumes are lower, and some projects are suspended because of COVID-19, there is still a lot of work going on out there,’’ Richard said.
Michigan State Police Lt. David Cope said troopers continue to patrol area roads.
“I think some motorists perhaps fall into a false sense of security that less traffic somehow translates into the ability to drive faster, which certainly is not the case,’’ Cope said. “Our troopers are still out there patrolling our freeways, highways and local roads, as always.’’
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