National Work Zone Safety Week highlights importance of responsible driving

Multiple agencies in Colorado are kicking off National Work Zone Safety Week to remind drivers to be mindful driving through construction zones.

Colorado Springs Utilities, the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Colorado Springs Police Department and Kraemer Construction were present for the proclamation. They say in 2014, there were 10 work-zone deaths in Colorado. And nationwide, more than 600 people are killed and 37,000 are injured in work-zone crashes each year.

They ask drivers to avoid construction areas if possible. Otherwise, to be careful – slow down and obey the posted speed limits and construction signs, avoid using cell phones while driving in work zones, watch for workers and pedestrians, anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so and do not drive through barricades. They want drivers to keep workers’ safety in mind.

“These men and women have a job to do to make it possible for us to get around the city safely on good roads, and we just need to give them a break and slow down and move over if possible,” CSPD Lt. Scott Schwall said.

There will be police enforcement around construction areas and fines are doubled in those zones.

One area in particular where drivers will need to be careful is around I-25 and Cimarron Street. The upcoming work to the interchange project there will cause some major changes. The off ramp from I-25 onto Cimarron Street will move further north and there will be a new on ramp from Cimarron Street to I-25. Traffic on Highway 24 will also move, the project manager said.

Officials said while getting the job done is important, it’s even more important to keep everyone safe.

“This project represents over 150 families both CDOT and the contractors, work force” project manager Mike Ingram said. “Each of those families expect their husband, wife, father, mother to come home safely each evening.”