ST. ALBANS, W.Va. — Gov. Patrick Morrisey ceremonially signed two bills into law Tuesday focused on highway safety.
Morrisey signed the bills at the headquarters of contractor Triton Construction west of St. Albans.
The first, SB 692, will allow for green flashing lights to be put on state DOH equipment to improve visibility during during snow removal and other bad weather.
“You’re still going to see the familiar amber lights but seeing the green is going to make it a little more visible during the snow and other times of the years, especially during bad weather,” Morrisey said.
The second new law, which came form HB 4538, increases fines in work zones for those speeding while workers are on the job.
“The fines that were around $200 can now reach up to $500 for some lower level violations and to to $1000 or more for serious speeding offenses,” Morrisey said. “The bill is also going to increase some penalties for behaviors like texting while driving or ignoring flagmen.”
Kanawha County Sheriff Joe Crawford attended the ceremony and said the new laws should help. He said speeding and distraction are many times are deadly combination.
“Speeding is one thing but driving distracted on top of speeding you’re just compounding it and increasing the danger to those workers,” Crawford said.
Morrisey also announced Tuesday the DOH is making progress on patching potholes. He said more than 18,000 miles of potholes have been patched in the last few months.
“I am told that were on target to have every pothole paved by the end of May,” Morrisey said.
He later said on X that residents should report potholes to the DOH at 1-833-WV-ROADS.
Morrisey said a supplemental appropriation approved by state lawmakers of $125 million for road projects will be available when the new fiscal year begins.
“We know that that’s anticipated to make a big difference and that alone will cover another 500 miles of good upkeep and help with other bridges,” Morrisey said.