DPW Crews Ask Drivers To Pay Extra Attention As Road Work Gets Underway

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JAMESTOWN – As a major roadwork project in Jamestown gets underway, officials with the City’s Department of Public Works are reminding drivers to pay extra attention when on the roadways.

Construction crews began preliminary work Friday on the Washington Street redesign project, with the full project kicking off Monday between Fluvanna Avenue to Second Street.

The road’s current four-lane configuration will be modified into three-lanes, with a two-way left-turn lane in the middle of the street. New crosswalks and pedestrian lights will also be installed.

Furthermore, a new 5-foot bike lanes with 2-foot buffer areas along both sides of Washington Street.

Senior Civil Engineer Mark Schlemmer tells WNY News Now, whether it is a private contractor or local DPW crew, drivers need to slow down and pay attention when in work zones.

“Sometimes equipment or manpower can jump out unexpectedly,” said Schlemmer. “We also look towards our guys to make sure they are wearing their right safety gear to help protect themselves, because that is the last thing any crew, public or private, wants, is injuries.”

In addition to the private contractor working on the roadway, the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities is also doing a waterline replacement project between 6th and 22nd Streets.