Pittsburgh, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) held a media event to discuss work zone safety and the $19.85 million Route 51 (Clairton Boulevard) Coal Valley Road to Lebanon Church Road Interchange project as the construction season kicks off.

While construction work occurs year-round in District 11, the major construction season has begun, and drivers should expect to see construction pick up in the greater Pittsburgh region. The department reminds drivers to remain cautious when traveling through work zones, not only for the safety of the workers, but for their own safety as well.

Drivers cited by police for driving 11 mph or more above the posted speed limit in active work zones will automatically lose their license for 15 days per state law. Fines for certain traffic violations, including speeding, driving under the influence, and failure to obey traffic devices are doubled for active work zones. Drivers can also receive up to five years of additional jail time if convicted of homicide by vehicle for a crash that occurred in an active work zone.

PennDOT District 11 Executive Jason Zang discussed the many challenges of keeping work zones safe for everyone and how the motoring public can work together with PennDOT to achieve this goal. He also reminded drivers to slow down and avoid distractions when behind the wheel. This comes as April marks National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

According to PennDOT data, in 2024 there were 1,250 work zone crashes, resulting in 22 fatalities statewide.