Standing just inches away from where massive tractor-trailers maneuver down Interstate 20, Kyle Baxley can feel the ground shake. But it's not the thought of the bridge beneath him collapsing that has him and his co-workers at the Georgia Department of Transportation worried; it's the speed of the vehicles.
As part of the DOT's work zone safety week, law enforcement and traffic officials took a moment Wednesday to ask motorists to slow down and be alert for the safety of the workers and for their own well-being.
Since 2007, there have been 494 accidents on I-20 in Richmond County, according to the county Traffic Engineering Department, though not all were in the work zone. That number doesn't include accidents handled by the Georgia State Patrol.
Sam Stutt, the project manager for U.S. Constructors, said his workers have been fortunate during the interchange project because none has suffered major injuries because of a wreck.
The I-20 speed limit remains at 55 mph, though many people drive 10 to 15 mph higher than that through the work area, according to Richmond County sheriff's Sgt. Pete Lamb.
"In this area, even the designated speed limit is at times not going to be safe," Sgt. Lamb said. "What we're asking motorists to do here is be more careful."
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