ATSSA stands by those affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma

Within just weeks of one another, two hurricanes hit the U.S., leaving behind devastating effects and destruction in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Homes were destroyed, billions in damages were reported – and lives were lost.
Now the storms have passed, and it is time to support those affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma, including our ATSSA members who are working to rebuild what was damaged or lost.

“Like many others, our hearts go out to those families affected by the devastating hurricanes in Texas and Florida,” said ATSSA President and CEO, Roger Wentz. “As efforts begin to rebuild roadways so that people can once again travel safely to their homes and places of work, we ask that they keep in mind that the many workers who will be on the job have families as well. Roadway construction is a dangerous job. Let’s join together and make sure that each and every one of these workers gets home safely every day.”

Road conditions in Florida remain hazardous for motorists with traffic lights remaining out and debris still being cleared from the roadways. Work zones have become a common sight with ATSSA members and workers from the Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida National Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, among others, working to make the roads safe for you.

@MyFDOT crews clearing debris on U.S. 1 pic.twitter.com/FItXVBQjjK

— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) September 14, 2017

On the ground in the FL Keys with @FLGuard, FHP and @MyFWC officers to tour damage from Hurricane Irma. pic.twitter.com/7HougNZpDa

— Rick Scott (@FLGovScott) September 14, 2017

Photos provided by the Communications Office of Florida Governor Rick Scott

In Texas, residents dealt with similar ripple effects from Hurricane Harvey but ATSSA members and roadway workers were quick to respond, working within the following weeks to place warning signage and temporary traffic control devices at flooded areas or damaged roads as well as pump excess water off roads.

As TxDOT crews work to restore our roads in the wake of #Harvey, please visit https://t.co/gslgm5725r for road conditions and closures. pic.twitter.com/lLwUefOyzJ

— TxDOT (@TxDOT) September 6, 2017

Crews working diligently to get water pumped off of Beltway 8 on the westside. pic.twitter.com/y2CpDrsqAd

— TxDOT- HOU District (@TxDOTHoustonPIO) September 6, 2017

Photos provided by the Texas Department of Transportation

ATSSA stands by and supports the brave men and women who are working tirelessly to revitalize their communities in the aftermath of two these two destructive events.

Remember these tips from the Federal Highway Administration when encountering a work zone: • Remain alert and avoid distractions including using a mobile phone, changing the radio station or eating and drinking;
• Keep your vehicle’s headlights on;
• Stay focused on the road and give your undivided attention to roadway signage, the brake lights of vehicles in front of you and surrounding traffic. Be prepared to react to any event;
• Be sure to merge into the correct lane before you are at the start of the lane closure and remember traffic patterns may be altered daily;
• Do not tailgate other vehicles;
• Follow posted speed limits and prepare to decrease your speed further.
• If changing lanes, do so safely and only if pavement markings and conditions allow for switching lanes;
• Pay attention to flaggers and follow their instructions;
• Always expect the unexpected; and
• Remain patient.
For more information on keeping work zones safe for roadway workers and motorists, visit: safety.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/resources/fhwasa03012/. For more information about hurricanes Harvey and Irma and for ways you can help, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4332 (Hurricane Harvey) and www.fema.gov/hurricane-irma (Hurricane Irma).