Authorities reopen I-40 East in Fortify zone after wreck
Authorities shut down eastbound lanes of Interstate 40 for more than three hours Wednesday morning after a wreck involving a dump truck and a construction vehicle in the Fortify construction zone.
Posted — UpdatedThe wreck happened at about 3:30 a.m. near the Rock Quarry Road exit. North Carolina Department of Transportation officials said a dump truck not affiliated with work in the Fortify zone drove behind barrels in the work zone and hit a subcontractor's truck.
Two Fortify workers went to a local hospital with minor injuries.
The road reopened at about 6:45 a.m. after crews cleaned up a fuel spill. DOT officials issued a reminder late Wednesday morning to drivers who frequent the work zone.
"Our concern is for the safety of our workers and motorists," Amir Nezarati, a DOT engineer working on the Fortify project, said. "It is imperative that drivers are aware of the measures we have in place as part of our work zone safety program."
DOT officials offered the following tips to drivers:
- Slow down: Note reduced speed limits in and around a work zone. Drivers convicted of speeding in a work zone face an additional $250 find beyond the ticket and court costs
- Stay alert: Dedicate your full attention to the roadway
- Pay close attention: Signs and work zone flaggers save lives
- Turn on your headlights: Workers and other motorists must see you
- Don't tailgate
- Keep up with the traffic flow
- Don't change lanes in the work zone
- Minimize distractions: Avoid changing radio stations and using mobile phones while in the work zone
- Expect the unexpected: Keep an eye out for workers and their equipment
- Be patient: Remember that the work zone crew members are working to improve your future ride
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