TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely

As heavy rains fall on Tennessee, TDOT’s bridge inspectors await notifications from an automated program called “Bridge Watch.” Flooding can undermine the structural integrity of certain bridges in the state, so TDOT utilizes this program to alert the department of any potential problems with bridges due to heavy rains.

The most common cause of bridge failure is the undermining of a bridge structure because of scour. Scour is the erosion of a stream or river bed due to excessive stream flow. TDOT has classified 897 bridges in Tennessee as scour-critical, which means bridges could experience a catastrophic failure or become structurally unstable as a result of a destructive flood event.

TDOT’s “Bridge Watch” program monitors weather events through the National Weather Service and rates them based on the possible severity of flooding that could result from a rain event. The program then continually monitors weather mapping, weather radar, and stream gauges from the internet, and compares the information to a map of designated bridges in the state. It then predicts which bridges might be affected by potential flooding.

A bridge inspector performs an inspection of a steel girder as part of the visual inspection study.

State bridge inspectors are notified via text message, e-mail, and fax to check structures that are experiencing or could experience high water conditions. TDOT bridge inspectors visit these structures to check the bridges for any added substructure exposure (scour), continued structural stability and alignment, and streambed movement. Photos are occasionally taken of the conditions that are present at the time of the alert.

The “Bridge Watch” program is then updated to show that the bridge was inspected and the photos of the structure are attached to maintain a record of the event for future use.

Once the rains have passed, a follow up inspection is completed to ensure no permanent damage was done to the substructure. If there is evidence of bank or sediment removal from under the bridge, measurements are taken of the streambed and compared to notes taken from previous stream profiles to see how much material was lost. If any damage is found immediate action is taken to repair the areas that are damaged so that the bridge will remain safe for travelers.

During the recent heavy rains and flooding in Tennessee, bridge inspection crews in the Chattanooga, southern middle Tennessee and west Tennessee regions responded to a number of scour alerts and in one instance in west Tennessee, closed a bridge and initiated a number of repairs to ensure the bridge remained safe for traffic.

The “Bridge Watch” program is just one part of a larger overall inspection and review process that ensures the bridges in our state are safe for motorists. Tennessee is consistently recognized for having one of the best bridge inspection programs in the nation and this program is certainly one of the reasons.

About Gerald Nicely

Gerald Nicely is the Commissioner of Transportation for the State of Tennessee. He serves on the Board the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. He was a Founding Board member of the Frist Center for the Visual Arts and a Charter Board member of the Nashville Housing Fund. He is an alumnus of Leadership Nashville.  Nicely has received numerous awards for public service including: Tennessee Association of Public Administration’s Public Administrator of the Year in 2006, the Nashville Kiwanis Club’s co-Nashvillian of the year in 2001 (his wife Donna was the co-recipient), the Nashville Chapter of the American Public Relations Society’s Apollo award in 2006 and the Nashville Engineering Center’s Distinguished Builder Award.

Nashville – Tennessee officials announced Wednesday that Montgomery County has been awarded a highway safety grant of $101,922 for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department to fund the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program, $98,713 for the Clarksville Police Department to support the 2010 Impaired Driver Abatement Project, and $5,000 for Austin Peay State University to support high visibility law enforcement campaigns.

The Governor’s Highway Safety Office (GHSO) mission is to save lives and reduce injuries on Tennessee roadways through leadership, innovation, coordination, and program support in partnership with other public and private organizations. The grant awarded will be used to promote this mission.

“These highway safety grants reflect a continued commitment to work with local and state agencies to make our roadways even safer than they are today,” said Bredesen. “The funds made available through these grants will support the efforts of many local and state highway safety partners to reduce the number of people killed and injured in traffic crashes each year.”

Grant awards are issued to agencies that successfully applied for funding based on problem and statistical need. The GHSO notified agencies across the state that applications were being accepted for highway safety grants. Applications were reviewed and scored by the GHSO and external highway safety advocates. The agencies that met the criteria for funding received awards.

“I am proud that we are able to help fund important programs at the state and local level that help reduce the number of traffic crashes on Tennessee roadways,” stated Commissioner Gerald Nicely, Tennessee Department of Transportation. “These grants will make a difference in the effectiveness of our highway safety partners.”

There are several elements that contribute to a sound and safe roadway system. Some of those aspects are an accurate traffic safety data collection and analysis system; well-trained and equipped law enforcement personnel; and effective emergency medical and trauma systems. A major part of roadway safety is educating motorists about laws and good driving behaviors.

“Grants awarded by the GHSO are provided in areas of need,” reported GHSO Director Kendell Poole. “Statistics show our problem areas and we strive to put the funding where it will be most effective. We are dedicated to saving lives across Tennessee and pledge to work with grantees statewide to accomplish our mission.”

Senator Tim Barnes and Representatives Joe Pitts, Curtis Johnson, and Phillip Johnson worked to secure these funds for Montgomery County.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides the funding for GHSO grants.

Nashville – The Tennessee Department of Transportation is once again halting all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways for the busy Labor Day holiday travel period. While AAA reports travel numbers are expected to be lower than last year, nearly a half million Tennesseans are still expected to travel by car this holiday.

Construction crews will stop all lane closure activity beginning at noon on Friday, September 4 through 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists traveling during the busy Labor Day holiday.

“The Labor Day holiday is one of the busiest travel periods of the year,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “As thousands of people hit the road in Tennessee, we want to ensure they get to their destinations quickly and safely without road construction delays.”

While lane closure activity will be stopped, workers will still be on site in many construction zones. Drivers should obey all posted speed limits, particularly in construction areas. Slower speeds are necessary in work zones due to the temporary layout of the roadway and will be enforced. Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.

“During this Labor Day weekend, travelers will notice an increased number of law enforcement personnel on Tennessee’s roadways,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. “Our main goal is for everyone to have a safe holiday, so we want to emphasize the importance of buckling up, obeying traffic laws, paying attention, and, above all, never driving drunk or impaired.”

The summer travel season is expected to close with fewer travelers during the Labor Day weekend than during the same period in 2008. AAA Auto Club South projects 567,000 Tennesseans will travel this Labor Day holiday, with 482,000 traveling by car and 11,000 traveling by air. Nationwide travel is expected to be down 13% compared to 2008. Tennessee, Georgia and Florida are anticipated to experience a 22% decline in travel compared to last year’s numbers.

For up-to-date travel information, motorists are reminded to call 511 from any land line or cellular phone or visit www.TN511.com. Travelers can also get up to the minute roadway information by following us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511. Motorists are reminded that texting while driving is against the law in Tennessee, so please use these motorist information tools responsibly.

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TDOT will use its many overhead message boards across the city to direct motorists around the closure. Several portable message boards will also be placed at strategic points on Nashville interstates to alert drivers of detour routes. Most of the traffic will be diverted to Interstate 40 through downtown Nashville or Interstate 65. In addition, information on the closures will be broadcast on the TDOT SmartWAY Highway Advisory Radio station (1680 AM) and on 511.

For more information on TDOT construction project activity visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway/. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information or can follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 or www.twitter.com/Nashville511. As always, be responsible behind the wheel and have a passenger call 511 or use Twitter, or pull to the side of the road to access these services.

Fort Campbell

Weather dependent, DPW’s contract work would close Gate 1 for a period not to exceed two weeks beginning Aug. 31st. TDOT’s work is expected to start simultaneously with Fort Campbell’s paving work, however, the north bound left turn lanes may be closed for approximately four weeks.

Milling and paving operations on Highway 41A from 101st Parkway to the Tennessee – Kentucky state line will also begin the week of Aug. 31st. This will require various lane closures. Motorists should expect some temporary delays until this project is completed sometime around Sept. 15th. Changeable message boards will notify motorists of changing road conditions. Motorists are urged to seek an alternate route.

NASHVILLE –

“The concrete surface along most of I-440 is experiencing significant deterioration and is in need of extensive repairs,” said TDOT Chief Engineer Paul Degges. “By closing sections of the road on weekends over the next few months, we can complete these repairs in a relatively short amount of time and provide a smooth riding surface for this heavily traveled roadway.”

The project, which is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, includes repairs to deteriorating concrete at a number of locations on I-440:

• I-440 East from I-40 to I-65
• I-440 East from I-65 to I-24
• I-440 West from I-24 to I-65
• I-440 West from I-65 to I-40

Crews will perform work on one section at a time.  Only one of the above mentioned sections will be closed during any weekend.  During the weekend closures, crews will saw out and remove damaged sections of concrete and pour new concrete, which must harden completely before the road can reopen to traffic.  In addition to repairs on the mainline of I-440, crews will also work make repairs to on and off ramps at Nolensville Road, Hillsboro Road/21^st Avenue, and West End/Murphy Road, and the I-40, I-65, and I-24/I-40 interchange ramps.

TDOT will use its many overhead message boards across the city to direct motorists around the upcoming closures. Several portable message boards will also be placed at strategic points on Nashville interstates to alert drivers of detour routes.  Most of the traffic will be diverted to Interstate 40 through downtown Nashville or Interstate 65. In addition, information on the closures will be broadcast on the TDOT SmartWAY Highway Advisory Radio station (1680 AM) and on 511.

The $4.3 million dollar repair project is scheduled to be complete by April 2010.  The I-440 corridor runs 7.66 miles and connects with I-65 and I-40.  More than 106,000 vehicles travel I-440 each day.  The interstate connector was completed in 1987 and has only undergone spot repairs since that time.

For more information on TDOT construction project activity visit the TDOT SmartWay web site at www.tn.gov/tdot/tdotsmartway/.  Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information or can follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 or www.twitter.com/Nashville511.  As always, be responsible behind the wheel and have a passenger call 511 or use Twitter, or pull to the side of the road to access these services.

Nashville

Drivers in Tennessee have been using Tennessee 511 in increasing numbers since TDOT launched the system in 2006.  In addition to real-time traffic information on Tennessee’s interstate and state highways, travelers can access weather conditions, Amber Alerts, TDOT’s Record-A-Comment phone line and the 511 systems in neighboring states, such as Georgia, Kentucky, Virginia and North Carolina.

Motorists may dial 511 from any cell phone and use either the phone’s keypad or the voice recognition feature to access information.  Remember to keep safety first.  If possible, drivers should have a passenger in the vehicle make the call to 511 or pull to the side of the road to safely use the system.

People may also dial 511 from any land line phone or visit the Tennessee 511 website at http://www.tn511.com/ to access this information before leaving home.  TDOT is also on Twitter.  For statewide information you can follow www.twitter.com/TN511.  For regional information follow one of the following: www.twitter.com/Knoxville511, www.twitter.com/Chattanooga511, www.twitter.com/Nashville511, www.twitter.com/Memphis511.

As always, motorists should practice common sense safety precautions when using any of these services.

NASHVILLE – From flat tires and empty fuel gauges to major interstate incidents, TDOT’s HELP program is celebrating ten years of service in Tennessee’s urban areas.  HELP trucks began rolling in Nashville and Knoxville in the summer of 1999.  Service began in Memphis and Chattanooga in the summer of 2000.  Since the program launched, TDOT’s HELP drivers have responded to more than a million calls for various types of assistance, including one driver who helped deliver a baby.

“TDOT’s HELP trucks have become a fixture in our urban areas and motorists in distress have come to depend on them,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “Our operators are also key partners with police and emergency management agencies during serious incidents, all in an effort to clear our highways as quickly as possible and keep traffic moving.”

Each minute that a lane is blocked can translate into five minutes of delays for motorists.  These delays can be dangerous for drivers and can lead to chain reaction accidents that further tie up Tennessee interstates.  TDOT’s HELP program works to reduce traffic congestion, improve safety and assist motorists who may be stranded on roadways.  More than fifty trucks are in service each day around the state in an effort to mitigate congestion caused by roadway incidents.

“Our drivers care deeply about their job and the service they provide,” added HELP truck program supervisor and Director of Incident Management Frank Horne. “They often work long hours during major incidents, and face incredible risks each and every day. The gratitude shown by motorists gives them a sense of enormous pride in what they do.”

TDOT HELP drivers receive extensive traffic control and emergency response training.  Each truck is equipped with traffic control devices, first aid supplies, and defibrillators.  Drivers also participate in more extensive training for natural disasters and specialized vehicle recovery techniques.

For more information about the HELP program, please visit http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/incident/help/.

NASHVILLE – While several other states struggle to close out the fiscal year ending Wednesday, Tennessee has already published new laws passed during its recently completed legislative session.

“We didn’t have a $24 billion shortfall in revenue like the legislators in California are struggling with, but it was still a tight budget year in Tennessee,” Senator Lowe Finney of Jackson, incoming chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus, said.

Still, we were able to protect our better schools program – pre-K in particular – and we can move ahead with projects that will put Tennesseans back to work.

That’s good for our families, our hometown economies and our state revenue. As more jobs begin to open up – thanks to projects like the West Tennessee industrial megasite – we can build a stable tomorrow for Tennesseans.

Among the laws now in effect:

• Increased energy efficiency is now required in state buildings and vehicles.
• Sex offenders are prohibited from being within 1,000 feet of certain places where children are likely to gather.
• Tennessee driver’s licenses now print birthdates larger to make them easier for retailers to read.
• Vending machines installed on state property after July 1 must use energy efficient lighting, and the new lighting must be installed on any that are repaired.

Public Chapters with 7/1/09 Effective Date

NASHVILLE – The phrase, “I just got nailed by the cops,” is taking on a whole new meaning for Tennesseans.  Today, the Governor’s Highway Safety Office joined AAA and the Franklin Police Department to launch “100 Days of Summer Heat” and unveiled a new “Drive Drunk, Get Nailed” message.  GHSO has already spread the message to many in Middle Tennessee in a unique and surprising way.  Vehicles with 10 foot nails driven through the hoods have appeared in high visibility locations across Middle Tennessee since June 22 in an effort to spread the word.

“There is never a good reason for getting behind the wheel after you’ve been drinking,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely.  “Unfortunately, many people are still not getting the message, so we hope this new campaign will help draw attention to the problem of drunk driving in Tennessee.”

The nailed vehicles are part of a campaign to make drivers aware that Tennessee’s law enforcement agencies will be stepping up enforcement on the roads this summer and watching for anyone speeding, riding without a safety belt, or driving while under the influence.

“Impaired driving will not be tolerated on the roadways of Tennessee this summer, or at any other time throughout the year,” said Franklin Police Chief Jackie Moore.  “If you are driving aggressively, impaired, or without a safety belt, you will get ‘nailed.’”

The heightened enforcement period, known as “100 Days of Summer Heat” is an annual event, but the message has never been communicated using such a bold method.  The GHSO team will place the nailed vehicles in a variety of locations around the Nashville area through July 3 before moving them to Memphis, and then to other cities across Tennessee.  At the same time, television viewers will begin seeing a new public service announcement featuring vehicles being nailed that will also deliver the message.  In addition, the GHSO team will place printed materials in bars and restaurants across Tennessee to remind everyone to drink responsibly.

“Our goal is to generate buzz in Tennessee communities with this campaign, and continue to save lives on Tennessee’s roadways at an unprecedented rate,” said GHSO Director Kendell Poole.  “Motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of death for every age group in the United States, and it is particularly disturbing that most of these crashes are preventable.”

AAA Auto Club South is joining the GHSO and various law enforcement officers from across the region to reinforce the message of safety.  Kevin Bakewell, Senior Vice President of AAA, Auto Club South added, “Texting and driving is distracted driving, and beginning July 1, it will be against the law in the state of Tennessee.  We are proud to join with TDOT and the Governor’s Highway Safety Office to announce that this practice will no longer be tolerated.”

NASHVILLE – Governor Bredesen announced today that the Environmental Protection Agency has selected the Tennessee Department of Transportation to receive a $2 million American Reinvestment and Recovery Act discretionary grant to begin equipping truck stops across the state with truck stop electrification (TSE) technology.  Truck stop electrification systems provide heating and cooling for sleeper cab compartments and power to run electrical appliances, such as computers and microwaves. TSE systems also allow trucks outfitted with on-board equipment to “plug in” to operate necessary systems without idling the engine.

“To help improve highway safety, truck drivers are required to rest for 10 hours after driving 11 hours, and trucks idling for extended periods impact air quality and can be costly for their drivers,” said Bredesen.  “The electrification infrastructure that will be installed through this Recovery Act grant will allow truck drivers across Tennessee to reduce diesel emissions, save money and remain comfortable when resting.”

The project titled, “Reducing Idling Emissions from Heavy-Duty Diesel Trucks: Tennessee’s Green Corridor Approach to Truck Stop Electrification,” was one of 99 projects in the southeast submitted to EPA for Recovery Act discretionary grant funds to improve air quality.  The project will also save trucking companies the cost of fuel that would be used when idling.  The EPA estimates that annual fuel savings could exceed $3,240 per truck parking space.

“This grant is a great investment in environmental protection and will provide long-term economic benefits for Tennessee,” said Stan Meiburg, EPA Acting Regional Administrator in Atlanta.  “This funding will go a long way in helping to bolster the economy and protect public health and the environment by creating green jobs that improve air quality.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that approximately 5,000 truck stops in the United States offer parking and other services, including fueling stations, restaurants, stores, and showers.  The Recovery Act grant award will allow TDOT to solicit competitive grant applications from truck stop companies to purchase and install TSE technology at truck parking spaces at 6-10 truck stops along Tennessee’s interstate corridors.

“Avoiding unnecessary engine idling is a simple, practical way to protect air quality, especially for large diesel trucks, because it saves fuel and money, and reduces harmful emissions,” said TDOT Commissioner Nicely.  “This project is another step toward achieving cleaner transportation in Tennessee, and we look forward to partnering with truck stops across the state to provide truckers with another practical option to reduce engine idling and save money.”

To prepare their applications, truck stops will seek bids from TSE technology vendors. Truck stops may request up to 100 percent funding, although adding match dollars will strengthen their application. Grant selection criteria will include the truck stop’s proximity to areas with large volumes of diesel trucks, cost-effectiveness in terms of average cost per TSE parking space, the match (if any) provided by the company, amenities offered by the truck stop to attract truckers, the quality of the truck stop marketing plan, willingness to establish idle-free zones at the truck stop, and ease of access from the interstate.

The request for truck stop applications will be published in early July and will allow about 60 days for the preparation of applications. Information on the program will be posted on the TDOT website at www.Tennessee.gov/tdot/recovery.

Nashville – Road construction won’t slow travelers through Tennessee this July 4th holiday weekend. The Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all interstate construction that requires lane closures beginning at midnight on Thursday, July 2.

“We want travelers on Tennessee’s roadways to get to their destinations safely and efficiently,” said Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “Suspending lane closures during the holiday period is one way to ensure that travelers don’t have to contend with the additional stress of construction-related lane closures as they travel across our state.”

No lane closure activity will occur on interstates or state highways from midnight on Thursday, July 2 until 6:00 a.m. Monday, July 6. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for holiday travelers. Some long-term lane closures will remain in place in order to ensure safety.

Even though lane closure activity will be stopped, workers will still be on site at many projects. Drivers should obey all posted speed limits, particularly in construction zones. Slower speeds are necessary in work zones due to the temporary layout of the roadway and they will be enforced. Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.

“If you and your family are traveling during this holiday period, please buckle up and observe the rules of the road so you’ll arrive safely at your destination,” said Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendell Poole. “During this weekend drivers will notice an increased law enforcement presence on Tennessee’s roadways in an effort to ensure that everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July holiday.”

According to AAA predictions, all types of travel are expected to decrease nationwide this 4th of July holiday, with projections down 1.9% nationwide from 2008. However, AAA is forecasting an even more significant decrease of 2.6% in auto travel because of the steep price increase of gasoline in May and most of June, coupled with consumer concerns about the sluggish economy. An estimated 776,000 are expected to travel by car in Tennessee this year.

Travelers are reminded to dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone to access valuable information about travel conditions anytime, or log on to www.TN511.com. TDOT is also on Twitter. For updated travel information follow TN511 on Twitter or follow one of regional feeds: Nashville511, Chattanooga511, Memphis511 and Knoxville511.

NASHVILLE – Legislation co-sponsored by Senator Tim Barnes has the financial teeth to stop those who erect billboards along the interstate illegally, without a permit.

“This legislation allows for the Tennessee Department of Transportation to effectively enforce rules that are currently in place,” Senator Barnes said. “By taking the profit motive out of the practice, this law will stop those who put up interstate billboards without the proper permit.”

The Tennessee Department of Transportation will cease doing business with anyone who puts up a new billboard illegally after April 1, 2009, without going through the TDOT process.

A violator will not be given any new permits nor have existing permits renewed, based on a graduated penalty (one renewal lost for the first violation, two lost for the second violation, and four lost on the third and any subsequent violations). Penalties include removal of the illegal billboard and payment of triple damages to TDOT if the state has to remove the sign.

“This gives TDOT powerful tools to stop this practice,” Senator Barnes said. “Not only does the offender lose business, the state is able to recover the cost if it has to take down an illegal billboard.”

This bill was passed unanimously in both the Senate and the House, then sent to the Governor to be signed into law.

About Senator Tim Barnes

Tim Barnes represents Montgomery, Cheatham and Houston counties. You can contact his office at sen.tim..gov or 1-800-449-8366, extension 1-2374 or 305 War Memorial Building, Nashville, TN 37243-0222.

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen announced today that an aeronautics grant totaling $350,000 has been approved for Outlaw Field in Clarksville.

“Our local airports are vital to the economy and travel system of Tennessee,” said Bredesen. “Investing in our airports helps keep them competitive and efficient at meeting the needs of businesses and travelers. I’m pleased to support continued improvement at Outlaw Field.”

District 22 Senator Tim Barnes had this to say after hearing news of the grant:

First-rate transportation is important as we attract employers like Hemlock Semiconductor to Montgomery County. Plus, the executive business travelers who use this new airport will spend money in our local economy.

I am grateful to Governor Phil Bredesen and the Tennessee Department of Transportation for making this grant possible for Clarksville.

Outlaw Field will use the grant funds for construction of a new terminal.

The grants are made available through the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Division.

“This division administers federal and state funding to assist in the location, design, construction and maintenance of Tennessee’s diverse public aviation system,” reported TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “We are pleased to continue to support Tennessee’s general aviation and commercial airports.”

Except for routine expenditures, grant applications are reviewed by the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission (TAC), which is a five member board charged with policy planning and with regulating changes in the state airport system plan.

TAC Chair Larry Mullins explained, “Our board examines the applications carefully to ensure that the proper state and local matching funds are in place and that the grants will be put to good use.”

The TDOT Aeronautics Division has the responsibility of inspecting and licensing the state’s 126 heliports and 75 public/general aviation airports. The Division also provides aircraft and related services for state government and staffing for the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission.

The Montgomery County legislative delegation helped secure these funds for Outlaw Field.

16 Airports in total received grants including:

For more information on each of these grant awards click on the individual links above or visit https://news.tennesseeanytime.org/node/2088.

“I speak for everyone here at the Tennessee Department of Transportation when I say our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of Susan McKee who passed away earlier today after being struck by a vehicle while flagging traffic in a highway work zone.  Highway construction workers, and in particular the women and men who work as flaggers in our construction and maintenance zones, put their lives at risk every day to build and maintain our transportation system.  Unfortunately, incidents like this are all too common.  The death of Ms. McKee should serve as a reminder to all motorists of the importance of using the utmost caution when traveling through all highway work zones.” – TDoT Commissioner Gerald Nicely

It is a good rule of thumb for drivers to slow down when workers or pedistrians are along the side of the road you are driving on, even if you are already going the posted speed limit. Be sure to keep especially alert when passing through a construction zone.