_{In 2011, Portland Water Bureau workers move pipe during the West Side Header water project.
Flaggers and cones helped move motorists safely past the site.}

For many utility workers here in the City of Portland, their “office” is actually a road construction work zone.

To keep these workers and others safe, the Portland Water Bureau encourages citizens to drive carefully through road construction work zones. Caution in construction zones is vital for the safety of City of Portland workers as well as for drivers.

To help drivers, the Portland Water Bureau has these tips: 

• Know the work zone signs. Orange warning signs are there to help you and other drivers move safely through roadway construction zones.
• Obey flaggers. Flaggers are trained to move traffic safely through work zones, so pay attention to their direction.
• Obey posted speed limits. Speeding through work zones is a major cause for accidents and injuries.  Many states have significantly increased fines for speeding.  Pay attention for reduced speed limits and slow down.
• Pay attention to other drivers and objects. Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and traffic barriers, trucks, construction equipment and workers.  Watch out for sudden stops, merging traffic and other work zone dangers.
• Stay focused and avoid distractions. Do not use cell phones or text while driving.   Avoid eating and other activities which may take your focus from the road.
• Expect the unexpected. Stay alert for lane or road surface changes, possible mobile work zones and erratic driver behavior.
• Keep your cool and be patient. Work zones are necessary to improve the roads for everyone and to meet community needs.

Remember, everyone plays a role in maintaining a safe work zone area during roadway construction.

Lindsay Wochnick
Community Information and Involvement