Stay alert in work zones to help pedestrians and road crews stay safe!
The spring season is the start of multiple public works activities on local roadways and public land including: pothole repairs, hydrant flushing, tree and landscape trimming and planting, catch basin repair, and more.
Wellesley drivers will likely encounter one or more of our Department of Public Works Park, Highway, Water & Sewer, or Engineering crews working in or adjacent to public ways.
Roadway work zone safety awareness is critical for residents and visitors walking and driving on public ways. It is also a concern for Public Works employees.
The Town does everything possible to ensure public safety near work zones, including using police details, warning lights and signs.
Pedestrians and drivers also need to be aware of changes to traffic flow in and near roadway work zones. Some key tips:
- Watch message boards for advance notices of roadwork that may affect your driving routes. Detours due to road closures may lengthen your cross-town trip by a few minutes.
- Pay attention to “roadwork ahead" warning signs! Slow down and watch for heavy equipment, cones, barrels and workers in the road.
- Follow lane changes marked by cones and police officer directions as you proceed through a work zone.
- Avoid distractions. For everyone’s safety, concentrate only on your driving until you’ve passed the work zone.
New Vulnerable Users Law
All Massachusetts residents should be aware of a new law that went into effect on January 3 to protect “vulnerable users” of public roadways.
These users include people who are walking or biking; roadside workers; people using wheelchairs; people riding motorized bicycles, scooters, skateboards, roller skates, or other micro-mobility vehicles; horse riders and horse-drawn carriages; and farm equipment.
The new law requires drivers to maintain at least four feet from vulnerable users.
For more information, visit the Wellesley DPW webpages.