'Our goal is to make sure everybody gets home at night': NYSDOT kicks off Work Zone Safety Awareness Week
With 48,000 cars driving this bridge on a daily: Backup is expected. This work zone awareness week the NYSDOT wants to make sure drivers respect the zone.
'We want to get engaged with the public to make sure that they're respecting the zone. And what I mean by zone is the work zone. What I mean by respect is slowing down in the work zone, paying attention in the work zone and moving over,' said Regional Director Chris Reeve.
Last week the DOT posted a video on social media of a crash that happened late last year on I-81 near Whitney Point, where one of their highway works was nearly struck by a distracted driver while in a work zone. According to the post, the worker did walk away but they say it could have been a tragedy.
News 8's Adelisa Badzic also spoke with Todd Brennessel, the engineer in charge, who said it's important for everybody to make it home to their families.
'Everybody wants to get home,' Brennessel said. 'And that's one of our goals as an individual and as a co-worker, to make sure everybody gets home at night.'
Regional Director Reeve also gave News 8 an exclusive look at the bridge, which is about almost taken apart now. Reeve said it is absolutely safe, and they use up every inch that's available for cars to get through.
'This will be the only year there's one lane in each direction,' Reeve said. He added next year it will be wide enough to accommodate two lanes.
Wednesday is also 'Go Orange Day' for the DOT, where all the regions dress up in orange to raise awareness for work zone safety.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday afternoon that New York State landmarks will be illuminated in orange to honor highway workers across New York.
National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week is in effect until Friday, April 25.
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