The West Virginia Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) at West Virginia University recently announced the reinstatement of the Work Zone Sign Package Program.
West Virginia LTAP , located in the WVU Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, will award ten packagesworth approximately $3,000 eachfree of charge to state municipalities to improve safety in highway work zones.
Each package includes 18 portable work zone signs, six sign stands, four barricades, four plastic drums, 16 cones, twoStop/Slowpaddles and four full-coverage safety vests.
The total package will enable each municipality to set up a safe and complete work zone.
To apply for one of the free packages, a municipality must complete and submit an application form that can be obtained by downloading it fromhttp://wvltap.wvu.eduor by contacting West Virginia LTAP directly.
Applications are due Oct. 15. Awards recipients will be decided by Nov. 30.
In addition to the package, each municipality will receive a free hands-on work zone safety training course.
This training includes specific instruction on how to correctly set-up work zones, which will provide a safer environment for both road crews and travelers.
Funded by the Federal Highway Administration and the West Virginia Department of Transportation, West Virginia LTAP provides training and technical assistance for state and municipal highway maintenance and safety workers.
The goal of this program is to help municipalities improve the quality of their work zone traffic control and, ultimately, improve traffic safety in the state. West Virginia LTAP has awarded 41 sign packages to state municipalities since the program began in 1995.
Safety is the main reason the program was started, officials said.
This program is a great opportunity to provide West Virginia communities the tools they need to prevent injuries to road and utility workers and provide safe passage for motorists,said Anthony Ford, P.E., West Virginia LTAP program coordinator.
Awards will be based on demonstrated community need, statewide balance of distribution and each particular municipalitys demonstrated involvement in West Virginia LTAP activities (for example, attendance at training sessions, the annual Roadway Management Conference and Roads Scholar programs).
Agencies that have previously received sign packages are eligible to apply again. However, since preference will be given to those who have not received awards, a strong justification statement must be provided.
Other services offered by West Virginia LTAP include workshops, training programs and conferences throughout the state.
We offer training and technical assistance in anything related to roads, streets and highways,said Ron Eck, West Virginia LTAP director.This includes drainage issues, potholes, pavements and vegetation control.
For more information, contact Ford at the West Virginia LTAP , 304-293-3031, ext. 2629.