New sign for state work zones
Before road construction across Michigan kicks Give 'em a Brake Safety Coalition Warns Motorists to Pay Close Attention to New Work Zone Sign

Before road construction across Michigan kicks into high gear, Michigan's Give 'em a Brake Safety Coalition is hoping motorists pay close attention to a new highway work zone speed limit sign.

The new sign, "Where Workers Present 45," means that motorists must reduce their speed to 45 where workers are present in highway work zones. Last year, motorists were required to reduce their speed to 45 in highway work zones - even where workers were not present.

"We believe these new requirements, which were established by the Michigan Department of Transportation, will provide consistent application of speed limits in all work zones to promote the safety and protection of workers and motorists," said Gary Jorgensen, business manager of Michigan Laborers' District Council and member of Michigan's Give 'em a Brake Safety Coalition.

As always, work zones will have additional signage regarding road work ahead, reduced speed zone ahead, work zone begins, end road work and lane closure signs as applicable. Sgt. Kevin C. Beasley of the Michigan State Police Traffic Services Section said the "Where Workers Present 45" sign will make enforcement of work zone speed limits easier than in the past.

"Since 1988, changes in the Michigan Vehicle Code have affected work zone speed limits in Michigan," Beasley said. "This has resulted in different speed limit criteria being applied from region to region. These inconsistencies have made enforcement difficult as the motorist may see speed limits reduced 10 mph in one work zone, and then see 25 mph reductions in another work zone."

The safety coalition will launch a new radio and bumper sticker campaign within the next month to promote awareness of the new requirements. The safety effort is funded by the Michigan Laborers' District Council, the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council, Operating Engineers Local 324, Michigan Department of Transportation, and the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association.

Iron milestone for U.P. mines
ISHPEMING - Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. reached a milestone last month when CCI-managed operations in Michigan produced their 500 millionth ton of iron ore pellets.

The total includes tonnage from six separate pelletizing operations during the past 50 years, according to Cliffs. The mines managed by Cleveland-Cliffs are major employers for building trades in the U.P.

"This is an incredible milestone for Cleveland-Cliffs and our Michigan operations," said John Brinzo, chairman and chief executive officer of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. "Certainly it speaks well of the adaptability of the company and our commitment to Michigan. It is also a tribute to all of the men and women who have worked at these operations over the past 50 years." The mines are major employers of Michigan tradespeople.