NCDOT EXPANDS SAFETY EFFORTS AT I-77 WORKZONE IN MECKLENBURG COUNTY; New Plan Includes Increased Law Enforcement, New Traffic Alignment, Rumble Strips

DOT Release #555: Immediate
Date: November 1, 2002

Ashley Memory

Phone:(919) 733-2522

NCDOT EXPANDS SAFETY EFFORTS AT I-77 WORKZONE IN MECKLENBURG COUNTY
New Plan Includes Increased Law Enforcement, New Traffic Alignment, Rumble Strips

RALEIGH-In response to the recent number of accidents in the I-77 work zone in Mecklenburg County, State Transportation Secretary Tippett today announced expanded safety measures along the 9-mile stretch. The new plan, which is effective immediately, includes a partnership for increased law enforcement by DMV and the Highway Patrol, a new traffic alignment and the installation of rumble strips.

Following the implementation of this plan, the department will meet with all participating agencies to review its effectiveness and if necessary, consider lowering the speed limit of the work zone.

"As one of the state's most heavily-traveled corridors, the Interstate 77 work zone in Mecklenburg County deserves the department's highest possible attention," said Secretary Tippett. "In addition to the measures announced today, we will continue to monitor motorist safety throughout the work zone and make any adjustments we see necessary."

"I commend Secretary Tippett and Colonel Holden for their swift call to action," said Senator Fountain Odom. "The recent accidents have been serious but I am confident that these enhanced measures will go a long way toward improving safety along I-77."

DMV and the Highway Patrol will step up safety patrols, coordinating their shifts to ensure that the area is continuously patrolled. In addition, the two agencies will work with local law enforcement to coordinate regular "blitzes" during the next couple of weeks. During a blitz, multiple officers blanket the targeted area to help crack down on traffic violations. Officers may use marked and unmarked vehicles as part of this effort. The Highway Patrol will also use its unconventional vehicles, helicopters and motorcycles.

"We are proud to be a part of this partnership," said Captain Scott Keeter of the Charlotte DMV District Office. "We believe that the expanded presence of law enforcement as well as the steep $250 penalty will help reduce speeding and increase driver awareness along this corridor."

"The Highway Patrol appreciates the assistance provided by DOT and the other law enforcement agencies," said Patrol Commander Colonel Richard W. Holden. "We anticipate the combined effort of all the agencies will help reduce crashes and continue to prevent fatalities in this area."

Although speed was not determined to be a factor in the recent crashes, engineers will consider a possible speed reduction in the next week. In addition to increased law enforcement, the following new efforts are underway:

Installation of rumble strips today in approach of the work zone and prior to the traffic shift to help alert motorists to the change

Lengthening the traffic alignment in the Colonial Pipelines Bridge area (the site of recent crashes) to give motorists more time to adjust to the shift

Installation of two sets of nighttime flashing signs and portable message signs in advance of the traffic shift. The Metrolina Transportation Management Center is also in regular contact with the media to help inform the public.

Prior to the accidents, as part of the department's regular safety review, four new crossovers within the work zone were added to facilitate emergency recovery and cleanup as well as speed enforcement. Also, an additional Incident Management Patrol (or IMAP) driver was assigned to cover the work zone and northern I-77.

The work to widen I-77 from four to eight lanes from I-85 in Charlotte to north of the Charlotte Outer Loop is one of the state's design-build projects. The contract was awarded to Rea Construction Company in November 2001. Work began in early December 2001 and is scheduled to be completed in November 2004 -- two years sooner than originally scheduled under traditional means.

As part of the project, the department holds weekly meetings with the contractor to discuss related issues, including safety. Following the implementation of these new measures, NCDOT will hold regular meetings with all agencies to review the effectiveness. The department will also work with AAA and trucking associations in neighboring states to help educate motorists and truckers about the importance of staying alert in the work zone.

Earlier this year, NCDOT launched the second phase of its work zone safety awareness program "Pay Attention or Pay the Price." This phase focuses on distracted drivers and by emphasizing the consequences of not paying attention while driving through a work zone. For more information on work zone safety, citizens may visit http://www.doh.dot.state.nc.us/safety/workzone/.

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