FORT WORTH, Texas – On Tuesday, April 12th at 7:30 a.m., North Tarrant Infrastructure (NTI) and NTE Mobility Partners (NTEMP) will hold a press conference—and an onsite safety training session immediately following the media event—to promote Work Zone Awareness Week (April 11-15). 

The event will take place in the Cabela’s west parking lot adjacent to the 35W service road at SH170. 

12901 Cabelas Drive 

Fort Worth, TX 76177 

Representatives from North Tarrant Infrastructure and NTE Mobility Partners, as well as Buyers Barricades, a contributor on the front line of traffic control, will discuss the critical importance of safety in road construction work zones for workers and motorists: 

  • Kyle Freeman, National Senior Safety Manager, Ferrovial Construction 
  • Jim Quinn, Deputy Safety Manager, North Tarrant Infrastructure 
  • Luis Torres, Quality Compliance Director, NTE Mobility Partners 
  • Anthony Garcia, Director of Safety, Buyers Barricades 

There will also be visual displays as well as safety equipment on site for demonstrations following the event.  The program will be conducted in both English and Spanish. 

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National Work Zone Awareness Week safety tips to reduce accidents and fatalities: 

  • We all know, work zones can certainly present challenges for all drivers. When traveling through work zones, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recommends reducing your speed, pay close attention to signs and signals, and always be prepared to stop.  
  • By utilizing certain GPS devices and mobile apps, drivers can become aware of upcoming work zones before they reach them on the road.  Drivers should remain alert and aware as they enter and travel through work zones. 
  • Drivers should not drive distracted and focus on their surroundings, being cognizant to share the road with vehicles, equipment and construction/maintenance personnel in work zones.  
  • Once drivers are notified of lane closures as they enter a work zone, they should follow directions on signage and safely move into the open lane as soon as possible.  
  • It is critically important in work zones for drivers to strictly follow the posted speed limit, avoid distractions, and maintain additional space between their vehicle and other vehicles and/or equipment on the roadway. 

According to TxDOT, in the state of Texas, traffic fines double in work zones when workers are present and can cost drivers up to $2,000. Failure to heed the Move Over/Slow Down law can also result in a $2,000 fine. State law requires drivers to move over a lane or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching a TxDOT vehicle, emergency vehicle, law enforcement, tow truck or utility vehicle stopped with flashing lights activated on the roadside. 

In 2021, accidents in work zones claimed the lives of 244 people in the state of Texas, a 33% increase over the total fatalities in work zones throughout the state in 2020.  Speeding and distracted driving were the leading causes of accidents leading to death in work zones. 

The bottom line is for drivers to be alert anytime they are behind the wheel of their vehicle but should be especially aware of their surroundings while in a work zone.   

DON’T. DRIVE. DISTRACTED. 

The North Tarrant Express 35W project is part of $950 million transportation infrastructure investment. This 7.2 mile section of I-35W from N. Tarrant Parkway to Eagle Parkway in Fort Worth will consist of improvements with the reconstruction of main lanes, expanded frontage roads, and the addition of TEXpress Lanes. 

The North Tarrant Express 35W project is considered a critical infrastructure sector. As the project continues, staff, contractors and construction workers are following specific guidelines to ensure the health and safety of all employees due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Drivers are encouraged to “Know Before They Go,” and visit www.texpresslanes.com for upcoming closures. Closures are subject to weather conditions, and construction activities may be postponed if necessary.