Date:
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Contact:
Dave Thompson, ODOT, 503-731-8263,
David.H.Thompson@odot.state.or.us
Jilayne Jordan, WSDOT, 360-905-2078, jordaji@wsdot.wa.gov
Lt. Gregg Hastings, OSP, 503-731-3020 x247, Gregg.Hastings@state.or.us
Trooper Mike Kesler, WSP, 360-449-7976, mike.kesler@wsp.wa.gov
WHAT: Please join the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT),
the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the Oregon State
Police (OSP) and the Washington State Patrol (WSP) at a bi-state press conference
to kick off National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 3-9).
A desk will be set up in the work zone between the northbound and southbound
Interstate Bridges to help demonstrate the unique and often dangerous conditions
hundreds of DOT construction and maintenance personnel work in every day.
WHO: ODOT Region 1 Manager Matthew Garrett, WSDOT Southwest Region
Administrator Don Wagner, OSP and WSP representatives and state DOT employees
who have had close calls in work zone accidents will be available for photo
opportunities and interviews about work zone safety awareness issues.
WHEN: Monday, April 4, 2005 at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Between northbound and southbound Interstate 5 at the north
end of the Interstate Bridges over the Columbia River.
Directions: From I-5 northbound and southbound,
Exit 1A (SR 14 eastbound) on the Washington side of the bridge. Take the
first exit off of SR 14 (Columbia House Boulevard/Columbia Way) and head
west on Columbia Way back towards I-5, which runs along the north shore
of the Columbia River. Park in the parking lots nearest to the I-5 bridges.
Follow the pedestrian path next to the Clark Public Utilities building as
it curves under the bridges and take the concrete stairs between the bridges
up to the work zone. This work zone is protected by concrete median barrier
from traffic speeding by on both sides.
WHY: Because many projects are weather dependent, May-October is the
busiest time of the year in the Pacific Northwest for road construction and
maintenance projects. Dozens of projects are planned in northwest Oregon and
southwest Washington this season, and both states would like to encourage
all motorists to slow down and use caution while driving through any highway
work zones.
-
Nationally, more than 80 percent of fatalities in highway
work zones are drivers and passengers, not workers
-
Highway construction is one of the most dangerous occupation
in the United States
-
The risk of death is seven times higher for highway workers
than for an average worker
-
More than 40% of work zone crashes happen in the transition
zone before the work area
-
Work zone crashes tend to be more severe than other types
of crashes
-
Drivers not paying attention is the biggest cause of work
zone crashes
-
Speeding is the next biggest problem.
-
Nationally, on average, there are three work zone fatalities
every day
-
Nationally, on average, there is a work zone injury every
15 minutes (143 per day)
Work zone survival tips
-
Slow down, pay attention and stay calm. Work zones aren't
there to personally inconvenience you; they're there to improve the roads
for everyone
-
Merge as soon as possible. Motorists can help maintain
traffic flow and posted speeds by moving to the appropriate lane at first
notice of an approaching work zone
-
Try an alternate route
-
Expect delays-plan for them! Leave early to reach your
destination on time
-
Some work zones-such as line painting, road patching,
and mowing-are mobile. Just because you don't see the workers immediately
after you see the warning signs doesn't mean they're not out there. Observe
the posted signs until you see the one that says "END ROAD WORK"
Editor's Notes
1. The Oregon State Police is available to take reporters on ride-alongs in
Oregon work zones. Interested media should contact OSP Lt. Gregg Hastings,
503-731-3020 x247, Gregg.Hastings@state.or.us.
2. The Washington State Department of Transportation is available to take
reporters or photographers into the I-5 widening work zone between NE 99th
Street and NE 134th Street in Clark County. Interested media should contact
WSDOT PIO Jilayne Jordan, 360-905-2078.
3. A variety of fact sheets containing work zone accident data for each state,
descriptions and locations for major construction and maintenance projects
and other important work zone statistics will be provided to media at the
press conference.
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