Construction is a necessary part of maintaining our roads and highways. From filling potholes to giving roads a completely new surface, construction and maintenance is an ongoing project for all roads. Encountering these construction zones can lead to significant delays due to reduced speeds and traffic pile ups. The best option is to bypass the construction and avoid the road work entirely. It's usually not difficult to bypass road construction, as long as you keep a few tips and tricks in mind.
Use a Global Positioning System (GPS) to find and bypass road construction in the area. Major construction projects that are expected to cause traffic delays are typically included in the GPS maps. Having the most current map will allow you to see where these construction zones are located, and to plot an alternate course that will avoid the road work.
Contact state transportation agencies to determine what construction is going on in the area you plan to travel. The local Highway Patrol or the state's Department of Transportation will have a detailed listing of all road construction in the state. The information is usually available on the Internet, or can be obtained by calling the agency in charge of road work.
Use a CB radio to get construction alerts. Having a Citizens' Band (CB) radio in your vehicle can provide a lifeline if you are ever in need of assistance, and can also be used to learn about road hazards and construction delays ahead of time. Tune into Channel 19 to listen to chatter among professional truck drivers, who will provide advance warning of any construction and suggest alternate routes to travel.
Stop at rest stops and information centers along the way. Review the maps and bulletin boards for road construction postings. If significant road work is taking place in the area, these items will be listed and alternate travel routes will be suggested. Compare these routes on the area map to see what option will get you to your destination the fastest.
Listen to traffic reports on the radio. Radio traffic reports will give you information about police stops, traffic accidents and road work that is taking place. These reports generally assess the traffic situation and recommend alternate routes for those who wish to avoid the construction delay.
