Drivers encouraged to slow down in construction zones
Published on September 22, 2021
Summer may be officially ending, but Weld County’s construction season remains in full-swing. As crews continue maintenance projects on roads and bridges, drivers are reminded to slow down when entering and driving through construction zones in order to ensure everyone’s safety.
“The work our road crews do is of vital importance when it comes to keeping our roads and bridges in the best possible condition,” Weld County Commissioner Chair Steve Moreno said. “Just as we use our roads and bridges to get to important destinations, such as to and from work every day, it’s important to remember the people keeping them in safe, drivable condition would like to go home safely at the end of every day as well. Reducing speed, leaving space and paying attention to road signs and workers is a great way to keep everyone safe.”
Every year, from March until October or November, depending on weather, crews work to deliver improvements on a transportation system that includes 2,189 miles of gravel roads, 744 miles of paved roads and hundreds of bridges as well. With the variety of improvements being delivered — paving, patching, chip sealing, bridge repair, etc. — it’s not uncommon to have 12 to 15 crews ranging from four to 12 people working throughout the county on any given day.
While there haven’t been any injuries or fatalities to Weld County construction workers this year as a result of construction zone accidents, there have been some close calls as of late. Weld County Public Works Director Jay McDonald said the department aims to keep roads open when delivering improvements as much as possible but doing so requires drivers to be vigilant of those working in construction zones.
“While our active work zones typically don’t have a posted speed limit, it’s best to use the same caution as you would in a school zone. Our recommended speed limit is 15 miles per hour, because construction zones are typically narrow and our workers will be focused on completing their tasks,” he said. “Flesh and bone can’t withstand the impact of a car traveling 30 to 45 miles an hour. 15 miles per hour keeps everyone safe, allows our crews to work efficiently and allows people to continue using the road during construction.”
In April, the Colorado Department of Transportation reported 14 fatal crashes occurring in Colorado work zones in 2020 along with two fatal crashes occurring this year. In 2019, 135 construction worker fatalities were experienced nationwide including four in Colorado. Nine fatal crashes in Colorado occurred in work zones in that same year, according to data from the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse.
To learn where Weld County crews are working, view the road maintenance and construction closures list.