(EMAILWIRE.COM, March 31, 2011 ) With the return of warmer weather, work is ramping up on numerous road improvement projects around the state. It also brings a renewed call for caution when approaching and passing through work zones. This is a major focus point of “Operation Orange” during the upcoming National Work Zone Awareness Week. Governor Matt Mead will sign a proclamation designating April 4-8, 2011 Work Zone Awareness Week at 11:45 am at the Wyoming Office of Tourism (WOT) and Welcome Center located at 1520 Etchepare Circle (I-25 & College Drive) on Wednesday, March 30, 2011. An open house house featuring large construction equipment, refreshments, giveaways, and informational brochures will follow.
We are pleased to host an Operation Orange celebration to bring National Work Zone Awareness to Sheridan area locals and visitors alike” said Penny Becker, Executive Director, Sheridan Travel and Tourism (STT). “The Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce and STT will offer special Orange safety displays, equipment and celebration foods throughout the week in support of this special kick-off to our high tourism season so close at hand. Come and join in on the fun and educational safety reminders, as well as to explore our museum and the materials we offer year-round to over 100,000 travelers each year, from 8 AM-5PM daily at the Information Center, I-90 and East 5th Street!”
As visitors to the State of Wyoming are planning their trips this spring and summer, the WOT is offering information on road construction projects and relaying the importance of safety while driving in construction zones. Leslie Kedelty, Industry Services Manager with WOT said, “Most travelers driving into Wyoming stop at a Welcome Center, which gives us the perfect opportunity to inform our visitors that they should stay alert, pay attention, and don’t speed in construction zones. We want them to have an enjoyable trip and return home safely.”
While well built and maintained highways are a critical component of Wyoming’s economy; roads, like any other component of infrastructure, are subject to “wear and tear” requiring periodic upkeep. While work zones may pose a temporary inconvenience for travelers, the upkeep protects the public’s investment and provides safer roads.
Achieving safety in work zones requires partnerships involving a variety of stakeholders, including the Wyoming Office of Tourism (WOT), Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) and other transportation agencies, contractors, law enforcement, and ultimately, the motorist traveling through the work zone.
Tourism is a major contributor to WyomingÂ’s economy; much of it via highways, making work zone safety critical. WYDOT and contractors coordinate to reduce hazards in work zones, while at the same time, work to minimize impacts on travel as much as feasible without compromising safety.
“There’s a lot of activity and traffic control in a construction area “cone zone.” Congestion can result and drivers may begin to feel overwhelmed. Motorists can cope with delays and reduce stress by keeping mind that encountering work zones is inevitable and that usually, the total travel time lost is typically only a few minutes,” said Bruce Burrows, Public Affairs Specialist with WYDOT. Bruce continued, “Beyond safety concerns, for themselves and others, drivers should also consider whether the minute or two they will save by speeding through a work zone is worth risking an expensive traffic citation.´
Each year in the U.S., hundreds of persons are killed in work zone crashes, and tens of thousands are injured. Construction workers and travelers alike are at risk. During just the past two years in Wyoming, seven persons have been killed and more than 175 injured in crashes which occurred in or near work zones.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sheridan Travel and Tourism
CONTACT: Penny L. Becker
TEL: 307-673-7120
EMAIL: stt@sheridanwyoming.org
WEBSITE: www.sheridanwyoming.org
Click here for Sheridan Travel and Tourism Media Kit
