EIGHT NEAR MISSES REPORTED AS DRIVERS DISREGARD WORK ZONE BARRIERS
While the majority of drivers are slowing down, paying attention and respecting work zones some drivers are still disregarding work zone safety measures. So far this year, eight near misses have been reported and all as a result of drivers disobeying barriers and signage.
“During recent work on Warman Road, our crews witnessed 22 vehicles within half an hour ignore barriers and drive through a work zone to get to the Lawson Mall,” says Angela Gardiner, Director of Transportation. “We know it can be frustrating when construction prevents drivers from continuing on their usual route but the signs and barriers are there to keep our workers as well as road users safe.”
Work zone signs and barriers are set up for a number of reasons and at times will remain in place even when workers are not present:
To protect workers and allow them to focus on the job so they can safely and efficiently complete this year’s construction projects
-Protect drivers from hazards on the road
-Allow pavement or concrete to set
-Prevent property or vehicle damage
Construction workers are reporting violations to Police which may result in charges being laid. They are also beginning to set up cameras in work zones to catch offenders. The Saskatoon Police Service enforces the Traffic Bylaw and the Provincial Traffic Safety Act with fines starting at $210.
The City is continuing the most aggressive program of road construction, repair and maintenance ever seen in Saskatoon and to complete this work, we need everyone to make safety a priority.
“We care about the safety of our employees and everyone who uses Saskatoon roads,” says Gardiner. “If everyone does their part, plans ahead and respects construction zones, we will be able to work through the 2015 construction season safely and successfully.”
Know before you go! Plan your route around road work by checking our Road Restrictions and Construction Projects interactive map at saskatoon.ca/ConstructionMap. Find traffic detour information and subscribe to Traffic Detour Service Alerts at saskatoon.ca/service-alerts. You can also follow us on Twitter @YXEServiceAlert.