Just in time for National Work Zone Awareness Week, the Iowa Department of Transportation is launching a new website to keep motorists better informed on the location of major Iowa DOT construction projects that may impact travel. The site, www.iowadot.gov/travel.html#/highwayconstruction, lists interstate and state highway construction projects’ details.

For calendar year 2014, the Iowa Department of Transportation is anticipating approximately $700 million in repairs to Iowa’s state highway system. Cities and counties across the state will have numerous projects underway as well. Remember, in a work zone, a flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying his or her directions.

Mark Bortle, the Iowa DOT’s traffic safety field engineer, says “We’re excited about the new website for a number of reasons. First, it will help the public get the information they need any time of the day or night. Of course, they can always call one of our offices, but sometimes that isn’t as convenient as just logging on. Launching the site just in time for Work Zone Awareness Week is just another reminder to keep an eye out for the many family members, friends, and neighbors out working on the roads. The work is being done to improve safety for all of us.”

Basic travel can also be found at www.511ia.org or call 511 (in Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide).