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Department of Highways, District 10
Safety in road construction areas to be highlighted next week
JACKSON, KY – Daffodils and redbuds aren’t the only colorful blooms that pop up along Kentucky’s roadsides in the springtime. Orange cones and barrels also make their presence known as the annual construction season begins in the Bluegrass State. Work Zone Safety Week will be observed next week, April 6-10, across Kentucky and the nation to remind drivers of the hazards involved for motorists and construction workers alike in areas where road work is being done.
In Kentucky, events held across the state will call attention to the need for caution in work zones. This message is especially important to drivers, since 85 percent of all injuries and fatalities in work zones are suffered by motorists.
More than 40,000 people are injured yearly in work zones and thousands are killed. Three fatalities and 108 injuries were recorded last year in work zones across the commonwealth.
This year, construction and maintenance activities will be taking place in all 10 counties in the Department of Highways District 10. These include major construction projects as well as resurfacing and routine maintenance procedures such as patching, mowing, spraying and ditching. Work will be performed by state employees as well as contractors.
Drivers are always urged to "Drive Smart" in work zones and be aware of workers, traffic control devices and construction equipment when traveling in areas where projects are ongoing.
Projects that are either underway or are anticipated to begin this year in District 10 include the following:
Breathitt County
- KY 28, resurfacing
- KY 3068, resurfacing
Estill County
- KY 89, resurfacing
- KY 89, bridge deck restoration
Lee County
- KY 11, resurfacing
- KY 52, relocation
Magoffin County
- KY 7, bridge deck restoration
- US 460, resurfacing
Menifee County
- US 460, resurfacing
- US 460, bridge replacement
Morgan County
- US 460, relocation
- KY 191, resurfacing
Owsley County
- KY 30, resurfacing
- KY 847, resurfacing
Perry County
- KY 7, relocation
- KY 451, bridge replacement
Powell County
- KY 213, reconstruction
- KY 82, resurfacing
Wolfe County
- Mountain Parkway, reconstruction
- KY 15, resurfacing
In addition, removal of debris from January’s ice storm is also ongoing in several counties across the district.
The Transportation Cabinet is expected to invest in hundreds of highway projects again this year. Traditionally, the highway construction season kicks off in April. Cabinet engineers and contractors work cooperatively to design projects and work schedules that minimize delays and crashes.
Here are the “top 10” work zone safety tips.
- Expect the unexpected.
- Slow down.
- Don’t tailgate. Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you.
- Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the construction workers and equipment.
- Pay attention to the signs.
- Obey road crew flaggers.
- Stay alert and minimize distractions.
- Keep up with the traffic flow.
- Schedule enough time and call 511 or go to www.511.ky.gov for Kentucky traffic and travel information.
- Be patient and stay calm.
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