The City of Moose Jaw would like to remind drivers to respect the many work zones around the city to keep everyone safe during construction season.
A number of construction projects are underway currently — such as the water main replacement areas and regular road resurfacing projects — and while the work zones may be irritating to avoid, it’s important to be patient and stay safe.
Drivers are asked to keep an eye out for work zones and obey the signage and lights around them because they contain lots of moving equipment and workers.
Jason Trzaskowski, crew lead in the Water & Wastewater Department with the City of Moose Jaw, estimates there are between four and six active work zones within the city on any given day, and he’s witnessed too many incidents where drivers have ignored the posted signage.
“We understand the frustrations that come for motorists, with detours, closed roads, and alternate routes,” said Trzaskowski. “Almost every job site, someone wants to come through with their vehicle and you can see why that’s dangerous. There’s moving equipment, blind spots, works happening, and it’s tough to keep tabs on everyone.”
Sergeant Kevin Pilsworth from Moose Jaw City Police reminds drivers to slow down to the posted speed when nearing construction zones — both within residential areas and on the highway — and put down the cell phone when behind the wheel.
“We still get calls on a too-regular basis of people doing things they shouldn’t be doing in work zones,” said Sgt. Pilsworth. “There’s a reason why work zones are given a speed, and there's reasons why the roads are closed off, and we’re simply asking the public to follow the signage, for the safety of all the people working in that area.”
SGI recently announced July’s Traffic Spotlight will be on construction zones and the MJPS, alongside the Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan, are remaining diligent about policing work zone infractions.
“We live in a busy age, people are always in a hurry, and people forget,” said Sgt. Pilsworth. “Sometimes we just need that friendly reminder.”
