Macomb County urges motorists to practice work zone safety

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 11-15, the Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) reminds drivers to remain alert and practice caution to keep themselves and road workers safe.

“Construction season is underway and we strongly encourage drivers to obey traffic laws and speed limits in and around work zones,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “While road crews perform essential work, it’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure we all get home safely.”

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.

• 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.

“Our team works closely with local contractors and engineers to build some of the safest and most efficient roads in Michigan,” said MCDR Director Bryan Santo. “With the support of the motoring public, our goal is to fix Macomb County’s roads and bridges while keeping our work zones as safe as possible.”

The Department of Roads annual construction and maintenance operations are underway, which includes significant work across the region. The 2022 construction program includes 12 primary and local road projects and eight bridges and culverts, in addition to more than 20 asphalt resurfacing and concrete pavement repair projects as part of MCDR’s county-wide pavement preservation program. Work planned also includes six township residential streets as part of the Department of Roads subdivision reconstruction program.

For a complete list of 2022 projects, maps and information, visit roads.macombgov.org. You 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.