The Secretary of the Department of Transportation has identified “Safety” as the single most important recurring, underlying theme throughout its programs. Work zone traffic control is an important function in providing a safe environment in those areas where workers and transportation modes may compete for common or adjacent space. Every reasonable effort will be made to reduce the risk of injury to both the worker and the transportation system user in these areas of potential conflicting interests. In order to achieve this goal, all personnel working on the corridor and involved in the planning, design, supervising, implementations and maintenance of work zone traffic control will have the required training necessary to make this a successful program.

It is our objective to maintain, and potentially improve, the safety of the users through an effective Traffic Control Plan and monitoring all activities along the corridor.  The Department will be performing independent audits and reviews to ensure all the proper standards are used and the travel speed is maintained within the required limits.  Accidents within the corridor will be reviewed and the information will be evaluated and discussed with the Concessionaire for potential improvements. 

Safety in a construction work zone is everyone’s job; look for tips on how you can make a difference in Work Zone Safety here.

The normal posted speed limit on I-595 is 65 mph.  During construction, if lanes are closed and workers are present, the speed limit on I-595 will be reduced to 55 mph.  Construction crews are only allowed to close lanes on I-595 at night, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., beginning on Sunday evenings and ending on Friday mornings.  Motorists will be warned of the speed limit change in the work zone by the coordination of flashing regulatory signs, radar speed-display units and increased law enforcement presence called the Motorist Awareness System (MAS), shown above.  The MAS will help guide motorists through construction zones safely and reduce the number of crashes, fatalities and injuries in these areas.

Click here to download a PDF of the Motorist Awareness System (MAS).