Drivers Urged To Slow Down In Work Zones

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Construction projects are ongoing on some of the busiest roads in our region.

People who depend on Route 28, Interstate 79 and Route 19 in Wexford have already been faced with delays and detours.

However, before PennDOT continues with its plans a warning has been issued for people who drive through construction zones.

"It's going to be a big year for construction around the region," PennDOT District 11 Executive Dan Cessna said.

It seemed appropriate for PennDOT to use Route 28 as a backdrop to roll out construction plans this year.

"The 40th Street Bridge intersection is under construction," Cessna said. "You're actually going to see Route 28 drop 22 feet in that location."

Other notable projects include Route 65 at the Marshall Shadeland Interchange and some roadway resurfacing between Crafton and Neville Island.

While there won't be any construction on the Fort Duquesne Bridge or the Parkway North, there will be work done on the Crosstown. As a result, there will be short-term and long-term closures.

While the crews will be busy, expect a heavy police presence, especially with this week being declared as Work Zone Awareness Week.

In 2010, there were 1884 work zone crashes that resulted in 22 fatalities.

If you get caught speeding by more than 11 miles per hour in a work zone, it's a 15-day suspension, plus points. If you cause a crash in a work zone and you're convicted of speeding, it's also a 15-day suspension and two points on your record.

In addition to the points and suspended license, work zone fines are doubled.

PennDOT has released a list of work zone safety tips that you can view here.

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