Insight from WFPD: Road construction means finding alternate routes
With the road construction season upon us, it is easy to become frustrated by being pushed out of our normal course of travel. Road closures, restricted lanes, detours and rough roads tend to try our patience.
To save you aggravation, it is always a good idea to develop alternate routes to work, home or to your favor destinations.
First, be familiar with the community. The metro area planners work together to provide multiple connector roads to move traffic within the individual jurisdiction and on into the neighboring cities. Local maps are available online, in the local phone directory or through your community's city planning office.
Second, be informed. The North Dakota Department of Transportation puts out frequent public service announcements to let you know when construction is planned and provides periodic updates on the construction progress. You also can visit www.NDDOTFargo.com to get the latest details. The individual cities also use public announcements and web site locations to keep us all informed.
Third, be observant. Construction sites do not pop up overnight. Survey stakes, utility locate flags and traffic control markers typically appear days ahead of the start of any long term construction. If you notice indications of impending construction, begin your plans for alternate routes early. Check the local news media sites, such as www.westfargopioneer.com, for project schedules.
Fourth, be patient. Road construction is inconvenient. There are rough roads, noise, dust or mud to contend with. If you have to travel through a construction area, all your attention should be focused on driving. Construction areas are dangerous places for the workers and motorists, alike. This is no place to take a risk.
Fifth, obey the law. Speed limits are reduced in construction sites for your safety and the safety of the workers. Fines for speeding in a construction zone start at $80 and most often are doubled. Law enforcement officers are stationed around or in construction zones to enforce problem behaviors. Follow the rules to avoid a costly encounter.
Think safety first, plan ahead, have alternate routes, and be patient. Road construction is a necessary part of a well-functioning community.