Aug. 29 , 2005

For more information contact:
Mark Bortle
mark.bortle@dot.iowa.gov
515-239-1587

Road work zones will have minimal effect on Labor Day traffic

AMES, Iowa – Although road work zones shouldn't have a major effect on traffic during the Labor Day weekend, Iowa Department of Transportation officials are warning motorists to be alert while driving and plan ahead for holiday excursions.

Iowa 's 511 system for roadway information is an excellent source of information when planning your final summer get away. By calling 511 or connecting to 511ia.org on the Internet, you can find information about possible slowdowns along your route.

“We realize that many motorists will be on the road for the last ‘official' holiday of the summer,” said Mark Bortle, traffic safety and automation engineer for the Iowa DOT's Office of Construction. “Since we expect a large number of motorists on Iowa 's highways this weekend, the DOT suspends work on projects where it is possible to reopen the roadway to normal or near normal traffic to reduce traffic impacts. Major interstate projects will continue through the weekend on I-235 in Des Moines and I-80 in Pottawattamie County . Work will also continue on major corridors such as Iowa 60 in northwest Iowa and U.S. 218 in southeast Iowa .”

Even with most roadways open and construction zones at a minimum over the holiday weekend, DOT officials urge motorists to use caution when traveling. According to DOT records, of the six major holidays ranked, the Labor Day weekend is second for number of highway-related fatalities, with between five and six deaths on average over the last ten years.

The Iowa State Patrol and local law enforcement are teaming up this holiday weekend to help reduce fatalities. Col. Robert Garrison of the Iowa State Patrol says officers will be watching carefully for drivers not obeying posted speed limits. “Speeding is a leading cause of fatal crashes,” said Garrison. “The Iowa State Patrol and your local law enforcement will be out this Labor Day weekend to help keep motorists safe by enforcing posted speed limits.”

 
Here are a few simple tips to make your trip safer.

• Call 511 or log on to 511ia.org for information on work zones along your planned route.
  
• If possible, schedule your travel for non-peak traffic times. This will cut down the backups that may occur at road construction sites.

• If you can't adjust your travel times, at least allow extra time for your trips to compensate for any delays you might experience in a work zone.

• Stay alert. Dedicate your full attention to the roadway at all times.

• Pay close attention to the road work zone signs and traffic around you. Keep up with the traffic flow, don't change lanes in work zones and be a defensive driver.

• Minimize distractions. Avoid changing radio stations, using mobile phones, eating or other activities that take your attention away from your driving while you're in a work zone.

• Don't speed. Obey the posted speed limits at all times, and watch for speed limit changes around the work zone. And, remember, the speed limit on divided highways with a 65 mph speed limit is reduced to 55 mph in work zones where lanes are closed and workers are present.

• Expect the unexpected. Keep an eye out for workers, their equipment and traffic around you.