Local News

Actions

Iowa DOT using warning sirens to protect road crews

IDOT using warning sirens to protect road crews
IDOT warning sirens.JPG
Posted
and last updated

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Iowa Department of Transportation crews are now using a visible and audible warning system to enhance driver awareness of road work.

The agency made its own system, which flashes six yellow lights and blares a siren.

The last vehicle in a chain carries the equipment that warns drivers of road work underway and provides a buffer, protecting workers from traffic and potential crashes.

"We've not had any crashes in the two and a half years we've been using them, " Bob Younie, IDOT Director of Maintenance Bureau.

More than half of U.S. highway contractors report work zone crashes, according to equipment world.

One unit costs around $8,000 to make. IDOT's fleet is currently using 15-20 of them.

Younie says the lights and siren are manually triggered. The agency is looking at ways to develop an automated version of the system in the future.

Sign up for our Morning E-mail Newsletter to receive the latest headlines in your inbox.