Slow Down in Work Zones as Construction Season Begins
Polk County, MN — Once the weather warms, we’ll begin the transition into Minnesota’s 5th season: Road Construction Season. This week is actually National Work Zone Awareness Week, which is annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. Polk County Sheriff Jim Tadman says this a good annual reminder to follow speed limits and pay attention when entering work zones.
Some work zone safety tips from the Minnesota Department of Transportation:
- Obey posted speed limits. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
- Drive undistracted. Cell phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio – even eating – should be avoided in work zones.
- Stay alert, especially at night.
- Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Expect work zones to constantly change. Day to day you could experience lane shifts, closures or moving workers and vehicles.
- Don’t make unnecessary lane changes.
- Do the zipper merge.
- Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.