TxDOT asks drivers to heed work zone warnings

With constant construction all over El Paso roadways, the Texas Department of Transportation urges the public to drive diligently in work zones.

In 2017, TxDOT reported 27,148 crashes in work zones, 199 of which killed drivers and 813 resulted in serious injuries.

Transportation officials said distracted driving, speeding and unsafe lane changing were the top-three reasons behind most crashes.

“Leave yourself that two or three seconds between that car in front of you and yourself,” said TxDOT district engineer Bob Bielek. “Put every distraction you have aside as you move through the work zone.”

At any given time, TxDOT estimated there are more than 2,500 active work zones across the state, and speeding alone can cost you.

“Remember: If there are workers there and you get stopped for speeding the fines are double,” said Bielek.

The orange barrels, signs and barricades are there to signal drivers to slow their speed, pay attention and obey traffic laws.

“Work zones are temporary situations,” said Bielek. “Stay patient, stick with us and eventually that work zone will be finished and you’ll have a new facility to use.”

Check on detours, drive times and any congestion by going to go to the KVIA website section dedicated to traffic. You may also download the StormTRACK and TrafficTRACK app in the Google Play and App stores.