National work zone awareness week kicks off

SOUTH BEND, Ind.- Along with construction season, Work Zone Awareness Week is here, reminding drivers to stay on high alert and slow down in construction work zones.

Officials are reminding Hoosiers to keep an eye out for new traffic patterns, follow posted speed limits and slow down whenever you see a "Road Work Ahead" sign.

According to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), there were more than 7,000 work zone crashes reported in 2022.

INDOT is asking drivers, as always, to avoid distractions and warns the use of a cell phone while driving is illegal, unless it's hands-free.

Indiana drivers are urged to check INDOT's Trafficwise website to provide the best route information ahead of your travel.

Trafficwise is also available as an app to download on your smartphone at both Apple App and Google Play stores.

To view upcoming projects, visit INDOT's Next Level Roads Map.

To report a roadway concern, call 855-INDOT4U (or 1-855-463-6848) or use this link.