Road construction in one section of Weirton has residents adding extra time on their commute, but one local official said some of those drivers are ignoring the temporary route and risking their lives to save time.

South 11th Street, commonly known as Powerhouse Road, is undergoing construction to expand retaining walls.

As a result, Weirton's public works department blocked the road on Oct. 11 to start work.

Since then, some officials said drivers are ignoring the signs and taking the road anyway - something they say spells disaster.

Bray Bryan, public works director, said what lies ahead is a blind curve with no guardrail and plenty of workers and equipment blocking the way.

"It's a dangerous situation and we've alerted our local police department and they are monitoring the site and people will face heavy fines for traveling this road," he said.

Bryan asked drivers to be patient, and said crews are expected to finish the work in early December.

-Renee Cardelli & Jackie Cain, NEWS9