There have been 15 crashes, including one fatality, in the construction zone on Route 283 since it was put in place the evening of March 26 - 11 days ago - according to PennDOT.

The person who died was a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, according to state police. Another seven crashes involved commercial vehicles; two crashes involved non-commercial vehicles that resulted in injuries; and one involved someone driving under the influence, police said.

A crash in the area Thursday morning ensnarled traffic and took hours to be cleared.

PennDOT spokesman Greg Penny said the crashes have all had a similar contributing factor - speed.

"The concern has been speeding through the work zone, and that has been the major contributing factor in the crashes that have occurred there in the last week and a half," he said, adding the crashes have been a hazard for construction workers.

Other issues Penny noted were traffic line visibility and potholes, compounded by the cold weather.

New traffic patterns are starting on Route 283 west the evening of March 26, 2018.

Here are the details for the Route 283 construction project:

The single lane of westbound traffic on the westbound roadway serves local traffic with access to and from the Vine Street, Union Street and airport connector interchanges. It's designated for "local traffic", but motorists using are still be able to continue to I-283 and Harrisburg area destinations. Drivers headed to I-283 are encouraged to use this lane for "local traffic."

The other westbound lane established on the eastbound roadway is designated as the "express lane" since this westbound traffic will have no access to the ramps for the Vine Street, Union Street and airport connector interchanges. Concrete barriers separate westbound motorists in the express lane from eastbound traffic on the eastbound roadway.

The speed limit in the area has also been reduced from 65 mph to 55 mph.

"The contractor would like us to restrict that even further," Penny said, adding that a further reduction is under consideration.

PennDOT officials have put a speed trailer in the area of the work zone as a reminder for motorists to slow down.

"We're always looking at the construction zone and looking at changes, enhancements to improve it," Penny said.

Some confusion and adjustment with any new traffic pattern is expected for the first week or so, Penny said. He added the area has plenty of signs, and that adding more could create more confusion.

PennDOT's intent was to provide two lanes of travel in each direction. A single lane of traffic was an alternative, but would likely make travel even more difficult during rush hours, Penny said.

Another option considered was to close a road and detour traffic elsewhere.

"We'd get the work done faster if we do that, but it has a more severe impact on commuters," he said.

State police will be increasing its presence in the construction zone to remind motorists to slow down.

"In the interest of the public and the construction workers' safety, troopers will have an increased presence in the 283 construction zone," according to a news release. "Troopers will be targeting aggressive drivers, distracted drivers, and drivers who speed through the zone.

Fines are doubled in a work zone.

Penny encouraged motorists to allow additional time during their travels, leave earlier, or take a different route.