Washtenaw Road Crews Urge Caution as Construction Season Begins

As construction season begins, Washtenaw County Road Commission officials are asking drivers to slow down, stay alert and respect work zone closures.

The reminder comes during National Work Zone Awareness Week, an annual spring campaign that encourages drivers to use extra caution in road work zones.

The Federal Highway Administration says at least two people are killed in work zones every day on average. In 2024, 850 people died in work zones nationwide, including 673 drivers and passengers and 169 pedestrians and bicyclists. The agency also reported that speeding was a factor in 34% of fatal work zone crashes that year.

Brent Schlack, director of engineering and county highway engineer for the Road Commission, said work zone safety is personal for road crews.

“We have families we want to get back home to,” Schlack said.

Road Commission officials urged drivers to avoid tailgating, maintain safe speeds, put phones away and pay attention near construction zones.

Schlack said closure signs are there for a reason and should be respected by everyone, including drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.

“If it’s closed, it’s closed,” Schlack said.

Tiffany Oliphant, communications manager for the Road Commission, said people should not assume a closed road is safe just because workers are not visible.

“Just because you don’t see us doesn’t mean it’s OK to go,” Oliphant said. “There could be unknown dangers on the other side of the sign.”

The Road Commission has also reminded residents on social media that road closure signs are not suggestions. The agency urged drivers not to try to “sneak through” closed roads or assume a vehicle can safely pass because it has four-wheel drive.

Adam Lape, director of operations for the Road Commission, said drivers should slow down, especially when workers are present.

“It’s not worth your life or our life,” Lape said.

The Road Commission also marked Go Orange Day, with staff wearing orange as part of National Work Zone Awareness Week. The agency shared messages throughout the week reminding drivers that roadside workers are spouses, parents, siblings and neighbors.

Oliphant also reminded drivers to move over or slow down when approaching roadside workers or vehicles with flashing lights. Michigan’s Move Over law requires drivers to slow down and move over when they see certain vehicles stopped on the roadside with flashing lights, including road maintenance vehicles.

Road Commission officials encouraged residents to stay informed as construction season gets underway. The agency publishes a weekly road work schedule, along with current project pages, township information and road update subscriptions. The Road Commission notes schedules are subject to change because of weather or other circumstances.

Featured image: Washtenaw County Road Commission staff wore orange for Go Orange Day during National Work Zone Awareness Week, part of a campaign reminding drivers to slow down, put phones away and stay alert near road crews. Photo courtesy of Washtenaw County Road Commission.