WILLIAMSTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Highways is urging motorists to pay attention as construction begins on roads across West Virginia.
The construction is related to the Roads to Prosperity bond voters approved in October.
Highway officials held a press conference Tuesday about work zone safety at the Fallen Workers Memorial at the Williamstown Welcome Center near Interstate 77. Fifty-six people have died while working on highway construction projects.
“One of the most potentially dangerous places on the highway is a work zone, not only for our workers but for the motorists themselves,” said Rusty Roten, District 3 manager for the state Division of Highways.
Roten said it can be easy for motorists to relax behind the wheel, but they should be on alert to prevent any wrecks or workers from being struck.
“There’s going to be a lot of orange indicating work zones, so we’re really encouraging people and challenging people to drive safely,” he said.
MetroNews affiliate WMOV Radio in Ravenswood contributed to this report.