By NICHOLE HACHA-THOMAS
Media Relations Director, INDOT Northeast

Governor Mike Pence is proclaiming Monday, March 23, through Friday, March 27, as Work Zone Awareness Week in Indiana, which marks the ceremonial start to highway construction season and intends to draw awareness to motorist and worker safety. The theme for the 2015 campaign is “Expect the Unexpected.”

INDOT is dedicated to continuously improving work zone safety for workers and motorists. Last year, 11 people were killed and more than 600 were injured in Indiana highway work zones. Most of these injuries and deaths are caused by rear-end collisions, following too closely or making improper lane changes.

During Work Zone Awareness Week, follow INDOT Northeast on Facebook and Twitter for a variety of information dedicated to keeping motorists and workers safe in active work zones. A media event will be held on Tuesday to give reporters an up-close and personal experience in a work zone.

More than $1.3 billion will be invested in construction projects to build and maintain Indiana’s highways in 2015. As INDOT increases its focus on preservation, drivers will continue to see work on existing state highway roads and bridges.

INDOT’s goal is to maximize both the safety and mobility of motorists and workers while maintaining as much access as possible to businesses, residents and emergency services. Some local projects motorists should be aware of in the coming weeks include:

Allen County

• I-469 West of Winchester Road to East of U.S. 27 – Motorists will see several active work zones on I-469. Currently, traffic is restricted to one lane in both directions between SR 1 and US 30 for road re-paving and rehabilitation on three bridge decks.
• I-469 from Feigner Road Bridge to Winchester Road Bridge – Beginning in April, 8.3 miles of I-469 will be repaired and patched. This project will restrict one lane of traffic in each direction for up to four miles while crews work in the area.
• SR 37 Near I-469 – Also beginning in April, 1.5 miles of S. R. 37, near I-469, will be resurfaced. Traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction for the project, which will begin just north of the main entrance to Wal-mart and Meijer.

Elkhart County

• US 20, east of CR 17 to CR 15, will have ongoing work scheduled throughout the summer.

Steuben County

• I-69 Overpass Rehabilitation between SR 4 and US 20 – Motorists can expect daytime lane restrictions, beginning in April, on I-69 in both directions. The restrictions will allow for bridge deck overlays on CR 500 S and CR 700 S in Steuben County.
• INDOT urges drivers to follow the safety tips and to “Expect the Unexpected.”
• Stay alert. Look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers.
• Pay attention. Work zone signs will tell drivers exactly what to expect ahead.
• Merge Early. If drivers merge as soon as they see signs, traffic will flow much more smoothly.
• Slow down Don’t speed, there could be slowed or stopped vehicles in the construction zone.
• Keep your distance. Maintain a safe distance on all sides of the vehicles.
• Minimize distractions. The three C’s, cell phones, CDs and coffee, are the primary cause of driver inattention.
• Plan ahead. Expect delays during construction season and allow extra travel time, or select an alternate route.