February 2, 2023
Work has begun on a multi-phase road and utilities project on a nearly 1.2-mile stretch of Basin Avenue in Pahrump. The project is from Highway 160 to just north of the Blagg Road intersection. Construction times are 6 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Thursday.
This week the construction crews are focused on the Sisk Street and Ford Place intersections on Basin Avenue.
The County Road Department staff and Safety Officer are already seeing drivers frequently ignoring construction zone signage, driving past flaggers, and not slowing down despite additional signage. The County is talking with the Sheriff’s Office about also increasing its presence in the zone.
On Thursday, February 2nd, Nye County Sheriff's Deputies pulled over and ticketed 6 drives for violating construction zone laws.
Nevada Revised Statute 484.3667 doubles the penalty for speeding, up to $1,000, in any marked road construction or maintenance work zone when workers are present. According to the Nevada Department of Transportation, work zone crashes claim three lives every day.
Work Zone Safety Tips courtesy of NDOT
- Always buckle up.
- Always slow to posted work zone speed limits.
- Pay full attention. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people and vehicles may be working near the road.
- Minimize distractions, such as cellphone use.
- Keep consistent with traffic flow.
- Make any necessary work zone merges in advance, and only weave in and out of traffic when needed.
- Only make lane changes when necessary and use proper turn signals for lane changes.
- Keep a safe distance from cars ahead, traffic barriers, construction equipment, and workers.
- Don’t tailgate. The most common highway work zone crash is a rear-end collision.
- Watch for and follow all warning, lane/ramp closure, and construction detour signs, and be prepared to change lanes or merge as directed by road signs or flaggers.
- Continue to pay attention to work zone signs, even in areas of long-term road work.
- Remain calm. Remember that work zones are not there to inconvenience you; they are necessary to improve the roadway.
- Don’t resume normal driving speed until you see roadway signs indicating it is safe to do so.
- Remember that all transportation and safety agency vehicles on the road are at work, whether inside a work zone or not. Drive attentively, as these vehicles may need to make quick stops or turns.
- Plan ahead and give yourself time to reach your destination.