DDC Joins Call for Work Zone Safety: Slow Down to Save Lives

April 11, 2018

Contact:
Ian Michaels
718-391-1589

Flushing, NY – For National Work Zone Awareness Week the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) joined with other government agencies and utilities to urge motorists to drive cautiously near construction work zones during the busiest construction season of the year. Last year, DDC reconstructed over 20 miles of City streets, and the agency’s infrastructure division is currently managing almost 500 roadway, plaza, sewer and water main projects valued at $9.8 billion.

“The warmer weather brings a large increase in the number of street construction projects, and it’s crucial that motorists obey traffic control devices near those projects in order to save lives,” said DDC Acting Commissioner Ana Barrio. “Every year, workers and motorists are killed or injured because of reckless driving near infrastructure projects. Please drive carefully and be extra wary in work zones this spring and summer.”

workings in hard hats and yellow and oranges jackets

DDC Associate Commissioner for Infrastructure Shah Jaromi is flanked by DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, DEP Commissioner Vinny Sapienza and workers from DOT, DEP, NYS DOT, Con Edison and National Grid as he urges motorists to show caution during this busy construction season

For each DDC project a site safety plan is developed employing signage, barricades, lights, barrels and/or flag personnel to direct traffic when necessary and maintain adequate space between construction workers and equipment and the public. All personnel at DDC jobsites are required to wear protective gear that includes reflective devices for added visibility.

DDC conducts regular safety inspections and audits on every project, and will perform about 1,500 safety audits this year, up from 1,200 last year. More than 700 DDC employees will attend safety training in 2018 as well.

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor de Blasio’s long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $13 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.