From the article:

“The Penhall family said there were not proper detour or lane-closure signs warning drivers of the road closure. Sakamoto drove about 3,500 feet from the road closure and the construction zone. Caltrans “Standard Plan” requires barricades across all lanes and shoulders every 2,000 feet, according to the lawsuit.”

From the article:

“All motorists traveling 422 in the 40 mph construction zone are warned that the … speed limit is ALWAYS in effect and will be enforced with NO warnings.”

From the TxDOT Media Release:

“All too often drivers ignore the warning signs, barrels, and cones that have been put in place to protect them and our highway crews,” said Greg Malatek, Austin District Engineer.

“These new rumble strip safety devices provide an audible warning to drivers in advance of traffic queues reminding them to slow down, pay attention, and watch for slower traffic. They are intended to bring the driver’s focus back to driving and what is happening in front of them.”

From the editorial:

“Drivers accustomed to cruising at freeway speeds on straight, smooth roads suddenly must brake for tricky curves, narrow lanes and rough pavement as they enter detours and construction zones.

The zones contain not only road hazards but people — flaggers, construction workers, supervisors and law enforcement — frequently in close quarters. There’s not much margin for error when vehicles are moving at high speeds.”

Our condolences to the family of Trooper O’Connell, who leaves a wife and two children, ages 5 and 7.

From the article:

“Expanding U.S. Highway 85 to a four-lane highway between Williston and Watford City will make a huge difference in daily lives of residents, some who now avoid that 45-mile stretch of road completely.

But it’s hard to imagine how construction crews will widen the road as 12,000 vehicles, mostly heavy trucks and diesel pickups, travel by daily.

“It’s going to be even more dangerous,” said Watford City Mayor Brent Sanford.”

Actually our guess is that this footage is from a media event TxDOT held yesterday in Austin.  

These are the comments that accompany the video:

From the article:

“After the crash, the hospital made some changes to the area, including additional signage, to increase safety. Now, there are two new signs on both sides of the construction site.

Signs in the area indicate that the sidewalk is closed, and a detour arrow points to the other side of the street, where there is a sidewalk.

The sidewalk leading up to the construction is now blocked by pylons and yellow tape.

But some said they feel more needs to be done.”

From the article:

“[ND DOT Director Grant Levi] said he’s worried about work zone crashes after 257 happened in highway construction zones last year, including some fatalities.

Slow down, buckle up, and don’t get distracted with cellphones, he cautioned. Above all, “Expect delays,” he said.”