DDC Urges Caution Around Work Zones as Warmer Weather Leads to More Construction

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DDC Urges Caution Around Work Zones as Warmer Weather Leads to More Construction and More Workers on City Streets and Highways

DDC: Shoshana Khan, 718-391-1251, KhanSho@ddc.nyc.gov

(Bronx, NY – April 29, 2021) The NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Associate Commissioner of Infrastructure Program Management Luis Sanchez joined officials from the New York City and New York State Departments of Transportation in the Bronx today to highlight National Work Zone Awareness Week, and to encourage motorists to be more cautious when driving near construction sites.

DDC Associate Commissioner for Infrastructure Luis Sanchez urges New Yorkers to protect workers by driving with care near work zones (Photo Credit: NYC DOT)

“The spring and summer seasons are prime time for construction projects, and with more infrastructure projects underway there are more workers in the street,” said DDC Associate Commissioner Luis Sanchez. “We urge people to drive cautiously around construction sites for the safety of themselves, construction workers, other motorists and pedestrians alike. Please be aware of your surroundings, pay attention to cautionary road signs and heed the instructions of flaggers and construction personnel. Getting to your destination shouldn’t come at the expensive of someone’s life.”

Each DDC project starts with an individual Site Safety Plan, which is reviewed by one of the more than 100 safety professionals in DDC’s Site and Safety Division. DDC recently cut by half the review time for Site Safety Plans through the development of a proprietary online system featuring standardized templates to enable online submittals and plan reviews.

DDC infrastructure projects also must adhere to an additional Maintenance and Protection of Traffic plan, which details how vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians will safely coexist around work zones. Safety measures can include construction signs, barricades, lights, traffic barrels, and, when necessary, flagger personnel to direct traffic and maintain adequate space between construction workers, equipment and the public.

Every DDC project is subject to announced and unannounced safety audits by Quality Assurance and Construction Safety Auditors to ensure that worksites are in compliance DDC safety plans as well as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules, NYC Department of Buildings and other safety regulations. DDC’s safety teams performs from 1,800 to 2,000 safety audits each year, with high-risk safety deviations being resolved immediately before work can continue.

DDC also has an extensive safety training program, holding trainings for more than 1,000 staff, consultants and contractors each year.

In New York City’s Fiscal Year 2020, DDC completed 70 infrastructure projects in the five boroughs, installing 37.3 miles of new water mains, 53 miles of new sewers and restoring 55.2 lane miles of City streets.

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor de Blasio’s long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $15.5 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.