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Officials: Do not tamper with orange barrels, cones

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By Lauren Pack, Staff Writer 6:17 PM Friday, June 19, 2009

HAMILTON — Orange barrels, flagger ahead signs, traffic cones, barricades — all make commuting frustrating and even madding during construction season. But the Butler County Engineer’s Office and the sheriff are warning motorists not to take matters into their own hands.

“Moving barrels, cones or signs could cause serious accidents by changing and confusing designated traffic control patterns,” said Denny Krall, construction deputy for the engineer’s office.

Three times in the past week, someone has tampered with the barrels at the road construction project at Beckett Road and Beckett Ridge Boulevard in West Chester Twp., said Chris Petrocy, engineer’s office spokesman.

“The traffic pattern change (due to construction) is not the most convenient, but it is the only safe one,” Petrocy said.

Such tampering is nothing new, he said. That is why many barriers are now chained down.

“Some times people don’t believe the signs. I have seen people drive around road closed signs and into fresh blacktop and just sink,” Petrocy said.

The sheriff’s office and local law enforcement agencies are stepping up enforcement in construction areas, according to Butler County Sheriff Chief Deputy Anthony Dwyer. He said deputies will be keeping watch, specifically after hours when much of the tampering is occuring.

Violators can be cited under Ohio law with a misdemeanor or even a felony if the violation causes serious physical harm to property that is owned, leased or controlled by a state or local authority.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2168 or lpack@coxohio.com.

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