Shown here is the $3,500 work zone sign package awarded recently to the city of Moundsville by the West Virginia Local Technical Assistance Program. (Photo Provided)

MOUNDSVILLE — The city of Moundsville applied for and was awarded a Work Zone Sign Package valued at $3,500 by the West Virginia Local Technical Assistance Program.

Moundsville was one of 14 local cities awarded this package, which will be used to improve work zone safety during road maintenance, utility operations and incident management.

Moundsville was selected because of its demonstrated need of work zone traffic control devices and commitment to work zone safety. The Work Zone Sign Package Program is one of the many services offered by the WV LTAP to improve roadway safety across the state.

Each package includes 14 portable work zone signs, six sign stands, four barricades, four drums with reflective tape, 16 cones, two reflective “Stop/Slow” paddles, four Class III full-coverage safety vests, and two whistles with lanyards.

In addition to the package, each municipality receives a free, work zone safety training course taught by the WV LTAP.

“The WV LTAP staff recognize how important these work zone sign packages are to West Virginia communities. Both the equipment and the training that goes along with the packages helps enhance safety for both motorists and workers and facilitate traffic flow in these communities,” WV LTAP Program Coordinator Andrew Morgan said.

The goal of this program is to help West Virginia municipalities make their work zones safer for motorists and roadway workers. Including this year’s group of recipients, the WV LTAP has awarded 130 work zone sign packages to state municipalities since the program began in 1996.

“The city has used the WV LTAP for numerous training programs over the past few years, including flagging in work zones,” Moundsville City Manager Rick Healy said. “The safety of our employees and the public are paramount, and this work zone sign package will go a long way to help achieve that goal.”

The WV LTAP is funded by the Federal Highway Administration and the West Virginia Department of Transportation and is housed at West Virginia University. The WV LTAP serves the state by providing training, demonstrations, personalized technical assistance, resource materials, and other services to individuals and agencies responsible for managing and maintaining West Virginia’s roadways.