Construction Work Zones
The 'S' Check
Driving through construction zones is necessary. New roads are built to improve traffic flow. Other roads need to be maintained to give you a smooth and safe drive. However, we know that construction will affect your drive time and experience. The 3 'S' checks will help you arrive safely at your destination.
Speed Check
- Slow down when you approach a work zone; It comes faster than you think
- Follow posted speed limits, even if there are no workers present.
- Resume normal speed when the signs instruct you to do so.
Space Check
- Leave at least 2 seconds between you and the car in front of you. If you stop, make sure you can see their rear wheels.
- Do not pass on the shoulder of the road.
- Don't make a point with tailgaters by slamming on your brakes. A collision won't solve anything.
Stress Check
- If it's construction season, plan your route so you know where construction is occurring.
- Expect delays. Leave extra time so you don't need to worry about running late. Check the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s Travel Information Map for where to expect delays.
- Driving lanes are often close together during construction zones. Avoid all distractions like cell phones and changing music stations.
Construction Work Zone Safety Tips
- Pay Attention. Construction Zones contain many hazards such as uneven pavement, narrow lanes, heavy equipment, and loose gravel. Signs and construction zone flaggers save lives.
- Slow down, even if you don’t see anyone working. Physical hazards such as traffic shifts or lane reductions may be present. Also, most crashes in the summer months are related to excessive speeds.
- Stay Alert. Dedicate your full attention to the roadway.
- Watch for signs. Remember, workers are just inches away from traffic.
- Don’t Tailgate!
- Expect the Unexpected. Keep an eye out for workers and their equipment.
- Be Patient. Remember the construction zone crew members are working to improve your future ride.
- Remember that construction zone crew members are someone’s Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Brother or Sister. Use caution and slow down.
Obey the Signs in Construction Work Zones!
- Special signs and traffic control devices are used in highway construction zones. Most signs in construction areas are diamond shaped. A few signs are rectangular. These signs are orange with a black legend. You may also see electronic signs that display changing messages. Slow down through construction and maintenance zones!
- Some work zones - like line painting, road patching, and mowing - are mobile, moving down the road as the work is finished. 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 you’ve left the work zone.
What do the diagonal stripes mean on the barricades?
- The diagonal stripes on the barricade or vertical panel guide the driver towards the direction to which traffic is to pass. Stripes sloping downward to the right mean the driver should keep to the right. Conversely, stripes sloping downward to the left mean keep to the left.
What are “Flaggers?”
- Flaggers are work zone individuals who are provided in highway and street work zones to stop, slow, or guide traffic safely through the area. Flaggers wear orange, yellow, strong yellow green, or fluorescent vests, shirts, or jackets and use red flags or stop/slow paddles to direct traffic through work zones.
Why are there flashing arrow panels on the road?
- Large flashing or sequencing arrow panels may be used in work zones, both day and night, to direct drivers into certain traffic lanes and to inform them that part of the road or street ahead of them is closed. The arrow panel may also be used in a caution mode