News Release: April 20, 2020
It’s National Work Zone Awareness Week - Stay alert and use extra caution
Brampton, ON (April 20, 2020) – If you are out getting exercise and practicing physical distancing to protect against the spread of COVID-19, or travelling to work to provide an essential service, remember to use extra caution if there is a construction site along your route.
National Work Zone Awareness Week starts today and runs through April 24. It's an annual campaign that highlights what all road users can do to ensure everyone's safety while travelling through these areas.
Work zones are any areas where construction is taking place on the road. This work can impact speed limits, number of lanes, sidewalks, bike lanes, turning ability and your visibility within the zone, if you're a pedestrian or cyclist.
During the current COVID-19 pandemic, the government of Ontario has deemed certain construction activities as essential, including construction related to critical infrastructure.
"To maintain necessary services such as water, wastewater and road infrastructure, essential construction projects continue," said Andrew Farr, Commissioner of Public Works, Region of Peel. "Work zone safety is a priority - by promoting National Work Zone Awareness Week, we help empower drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to make safer choices and highlight the importance of navigating safely through work zones to help protect workers and all road users in our community."
The following tips can help keep everyone safe in work zones:
- Be aware – Be aware of all signage throughout work zones as they provide important information that warns road users of approaching road conditions and disruptions.
- Stay focused – Keep your eyes on the road and avoid all distractions such as cellphones and eating.
- Slow down and keep your distance – Lane closures, reduced speeds and traffic pattern shifts are common in work zones. Be alert and expect the unexpected.
- Be flexible – Avoid work zones wherever possible and consider taking alternative routes.
- Protect workers – Slow down as you approach workers, give them room to work and be prepared to stop.
The Region is working with our contractors to ensure the new Provincial Health and Safety Guidelines are being followed on Regional job sites.
Work zone safety is a shared responsibility. For more information on work zone safety in the Region of Peel, visit the work zone safety page.
Media contacts
Gloria Leonardis
Communication Specialist
Region of Peel
Tel: 905-791-7800 ext. 4667
About Peel Region
In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.
