As the summer highway construction season continues in eastern Oregon, the Oregon Department of Transportation advises drivers to watch for construction workers and equipment, and to drive with extra caution when they see orange signs and traffic cones ahead. Motorists are also reminded that traffic fines double in work zones.

"Here in eastern Oregon there are nearly 40 work zones that could be active during the summer months along Interstate 84 and numerous U.S. and state routes," said ODOT Public Information Officer Tom Strandberg. "When you see those orange signs and cones ahead please take extra precautions by slowing down, watching for work crews and allowing additional room between you and the vehicle ahead."

Distracted drivers are a major cause of work zone crashes so stay off cell phones and refrain from changing the radio station or interacting with anything but the road ahead.

"It only takes split second for a work zone tragedy to happen when you are traveling at highway speeds," said Strandberg. "If it was your son, daughter or family member working alongside the road, think of how you would want others to drive."

Listed below are highway work zones and anticipated traffic impacts that eastern Oregon travelers may encounter this summer. The numbers next to each project are referenced to the attached pdf ODOT Eastern Oregon 2008 Summer Construction Map. This project listing and map for Eastern Oregon is also on the Web at http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION5/ . For a listing of ODOT Summer Construction projects across the entire state, visit http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/2008_conmap.shtml on the Web.

"Construction start and end dates are estimates and may change,: said Strandberg. "The main thing is to keep your eyes peeled for orange and slow down."