Latest news with #Dollier
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Road construction on I-70 continues in Terre Haute
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Road work on Interstate 70, around Terre Haute, continues with bridges and roads being replaced in several areas. Public Relations Director for the Indiana Department of Transportation, Blake Dollier, said projects are beginning to finish up, including work over Robinson Road. 'We're about to open that to traffic, to the normal configuration that I-70 is', Dollier said. 'Drivers can expect that will be the normal stretch of roadway that you're used to in that area. The lanes have been paved, we just need to re-stripe that. That work will take place at nighttime because we may have to close some individual lanes.' What used to be a bridge there, is now a tunnel. 'The structure work in that area is also complete', Dollier said. 'You've seen the bridge, probably, in that location, is now a tunnel. That tunnel work has been completed as well. That is something that looks really nice and we're really proud of our crews for getting that work done.' Dollier said construction on the bridge over Sidenbender Road is also nearing completion. 'We've begun pouring walls and we'll begin setting the structure on the Sidenbender Road bridge on I-70 here in the next couple of weeks', Dollier said. 'Traffic is still on the temporary bridge, on the westbound side, near the nine-mile marker. A few months are left on that, as we need to continue doing some work there in the median.' Last week was National Work Zone Awareness Week, promoting safe driving habits around dangerous areas. Dollier said the Indiana Department of Transportation wants to again remind drivers to take caution as road work continues. 'Treat it like it is National Work Zone Awareness Week every single day that you are out on the roadways', Dollier said. 'Use caution, slow down, and avoid distracted driving throughout those construction zones.' The Indiana Department of Transportation has a website and an app to help drivers plan their routes and be aware of work zones. You can visit their website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
National Work Zone Awareness Week
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The weather has warmed up and for some, that means more traveling, but for the Indiana Department of Transportation, that means more road construction. Blake Dollier, Public Relations Director for the Indiana Department of Transportation, said the numbers are staggering. 'In 2024 alone, there were over 7,000 crashes that occurred in work zones or work zone backups', Dollier said. 'There were over 1500 injuries that occurred in work zones and work zones backups, in addition to 30 fatalities. That is simply too many. We are working tirelessly, day in and day out, to protect our workers and to protect the drivers and their passengers.' One highway maintenance technician, Matt Schalburg, said he has seen a number of work zone accidents, and the most common issue is distractions. 'Basically, it's not paying attention', Schalburg said. 'It's inattention from everything from a cell phone to, I've actually seen, people with a newspaper spread across the steering wheel as they are driving through zones.' To bring the issue to light, the Indiana Department of Transportation has deemed this week National Work Zone Awareness Week. They are looking to shed light on safe driving habits as work zones increase across the state. 'As you go out into your travels, make sure you are aware of the work zones that are happening, abiding by the posted speed limit, avoiding distracted driving, and doing everything you possibly can to keep yourself safe and keep our crews safe out on the roadway', Dollier said. The Indiana Department of Transportation has a website and an app to help drivers plan their routes and be aware of work zones. You can visit their website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Respect the Zone
To observe National Work Zone Awareness Week, the Indiana Department of Transportation has created a slogan: "Respect the zone so that we can all go home." "Work zones are popping up all over the place — some have been up and going for two or three months now, but summer weather comes into effect more and more all the way until the end of the year," said Matt Schalburg, INDOT Highway Maintenance Technician. "You're going to see work zones anywhere, anytime all across this state." INDOT West Central Public Relations Director Blake Dollier has some disquieting statistics: In 2024 in Hoosier work zones and work zone backups, there were more than 7,000 crashes. More than 1,500 crashes resulted in injuries, and there were 30 fatalities. "These numbers are quite scary, and they're numbers we're always trying to reduce," Dollier said. INDOT work zones are assiduously marked well in advance. "You need to look out for the early warning signs — they'll read, "Road Work Ahead — two miles ahead, one mile ahead,'" Schalburg said. "And the speed zones reducing the speed — that's key, getting your speed down so you can react and be safe in that zone — not just you and your passengers, but also the road crews out there working." "We just encourage everybody to think about this for a moment," Dollier added. "Think about all the workers out there on the highways trying to make it safer for you, the traveling public. And think about yourself, because four out of five people injured or killed in a work zone are a driver or passenger." He added, "Slow down, buckle up, put the cell phones down, avoid distracted driving. Just be mindful of all those things that go on this time of year. If you see that work zone speed limit, be sure to let off the gas a little bit and slow your speed down so that you're being safe to protect everyone out there." Road work zones aren't necessarily inactive when the sun goes down. "There are activities that take place at night because of the reduced traffic patterns, and sometimes in the area they're working at, that's the best time to do things," Schalburg said. "So it's not only daylight hours that you need to be prepared and watch out for these signs and the construction, but it's nighttime hours. You may think that people would be off the road work at 5 p.m., but it's not necessarily true." Schalburg and Dollier were standing next to an INDOT truck that had been struck by a semi recently on I-70, and Schalburg said he has been involved in work zone accidents. "I've been in that situation many times," he said. "Several years ago, there was a freak accident and I got injured. I had to dodge a car and basically take off and run. I had flagging paddles, and the car just would not pay attention — every step I moved, they followed me." Motorists should follow these guidelines for traveling through work zones: • Phones and electronic devices should be down at all times – it's the law. • Obey the signs that will help you safely navigate work zones, and even avoid delays. • Posted speed limits are there for the safety of both workers and drivers. • Be on the lookout for slowed or stopped traffic. • Give yourself time to react. Avoid following too closely and maintain at least two seconds of space in front of you. • Consider the limitations of heavy equipment, trucks and commercial vehicles. Provide them extra distance to come to a complete stop if they are behind you. • A work zone can take many forms, from a maintenance crew patching potholes or collecting litter to a major interstate reconstruction. If orange signs are nearby, slow down and save lives. Schalburg reiterated INDOT's National Work Zone Awareness Week motto: "Respect the zone so that we can all home," he said. "Not just us and our contractors, but you yourself and your families, there's a responsibility to get home safe, as well."
