Take a Brake – Slow Down at Work Sites
Posted on: Oct 05, 2023At any time of day or night, Philadelphia Gas Works’ (PGW) crews are working along the narrow, densely populated streets of Philadelphia, often with little separation between their worksite and vehicular traffic. PGW reminds motorists that driving slowly, carefully, and alertly through a work zone is important for their health and well-being, and for workers’ safety.
PGW work zones are identifiable by highly visible utility work ahead signs, bright branded orange traffic cones, PGW branded vehicles, as well as white and orange reflective barricades along the perimeter of the site.
In 2021, it is estimated that there were more than 106,000 work zone crashes nationwide, and as many as 42,000 work zone injuries. Pennsylvania accounted for nearly 13,000 work zone crashes in 2022.
While excavating streets to improve service and install new pipelines, PGW employees protect themselves by wearing industry regulated and issued flame-resistant clothing, safety glasses, reflective yellow safety vests, hardened work boots, and hard hats as they work above and below ground level. Vehicles moving at ground level are asked to be mindful of PGW workers performing essential duties to deliver, safe, and reliable natural gas service to businesses and residents throughout the city.
“Work zones are essential to maintain and upgrade our infrastructure,” said Joe Durante, Manager for Training and Safety at PGW. “We will only shut down streets when absolutely necessary. When we do, it is because we cannot safely maintain an area for motorists to travel and perform PGW’s work at the same time.”
PGW advises motorists to follow these safety guidelines:
- Keep your eyes on the road and eliminate distractions such as texting, changing radio stations, or eating.
- Do not tailgate. Expect sudden stops in a work zone and keep a proper distance from the vehicles ahead.
- Drive slower than the posted speed limit.
- Follow the direction of flaggers (traffic control guards), and signs will guide you on the proper route through the work zone.
- Be patient. PGW crews are balancing safety while doing their best to maintain the flow of traffic.
- Plan your driving route, if possible, to be aware of work zones and detours. Use PGW’s Pipeline Map to learn what construction projects may impact travel.
- Do not remove PGW cones or barricades from any work zone. Their placements are safety sensitive.
For more information on roadway safety, visit: PhillyGasWorks YouTube Channel
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