Macomb county urges motorists to help keep work zones safe

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Between state, county and local projects, there will be hundreds of work zones throughout Macomb County this year. In advance of National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), which takes place April 17-21, the Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) is urging drivers to remain alert and practice caution to keep themselves and road workers safe.

“Road crews perform essential work to keep our roads and bridges safe, it’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure they all get home safely to their loved ones,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “With the weather warming up and orange barrels going up, we strongly encourage drivers to obey traffic laws and speed limits in and around work zones to help save lives.”

To help keep the roads safe, MCDR strongly encourages drivers to practice these driving tips:

• Plan ahead. Expect delays, plan for them, and leave early to reach your destination on time. When you can, avoid work zones altogether by using alternate routes. For a list of 2023 Macomb County construction projects, map, and information, visit gis.macombgov.org/go/construction. Motorists can sign up to receive email and text alerts for construction and traffic updates at roads.macombgov.org.
• Obey road crews and signs. When approaching a work zone, watch for cones, barrels, signs, large vehicles, or workers in bright-colored vests to warn you and direct you where to go.
• Slow down. Look for signs indicating the speed limit through the work zone. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you and follow the posted speed limit.
• Move over. Most state move-over laws apply when passing work crews and official vehicles parked on the shoulder with flashing warning lights.
• Avoid distractions. Keep your eyes on the road and off your phone at all times.
• Watch for sudden stoppages. Don’t make sudden lane changes in front of trucks that are trying to slow down.

“Macomb County works closely with local contractors and engineers to build some of the safest and most efficient roads in Michigan,” said MCDR Director Bryan Santo. “Our goal is to fix Macomb County’s roads and bridges while keeping our work zones as safe as possible. Drivers can do their part by slowing down, putting their phones down, focusing on the roadway, and driving responsibly.”

The Department of Roads annual construction and maintenance operations are underway, which includes significant work across the region. For a complete list of 2023 projects, maps and information, visit roads.macombgov.org. Motorists can also sign up to receive email and text alerts for construction and traffic updates at roads.macombgov.org. For more information regarding work zone safety and NWZAW, visit nwzaw.org.