Staff Reports

Indiana and other states are observing National Work Zone Awareness Week.

It marks the ceremonial start to highway construction season and aims to bring awareness to motorist and worker safety in highway work zones.

The theme is “Safe work zones for all: Protect workers. Protect road users.”

“Work Zone Awareness Week is as much for everyday drivers as it is for those working on the roads,” Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said. “We want everyone to stay safe when they are out on our roadways, and that is the responsibility of all Hoosiers.”

In 2019, nearly 30 people were killed in Indiana Department of Transportation work zone crashes, which was the highest loss of life in the last 15 years, according to a news release from INDOT.

More than 1,100 INDOT construction projects are planned across the state this year with many projects already underway or beginning soon.

So far in 2020, 37 people have been injured in INDOT work zone crashes.

“Safety is always in the forefront of our minds at INDOT. We have extensive safety plans in place to prevent work zone crashes, but we need everyone to help make that a reality,” INDOT Commissioner Joe McGuinness said.

INDOT utilizes work zone signage, traffic alerts and social media to keep Hoosiers up to date on construction projects. Drivers can visit nextlevelroads.com to use an interactive online map to see projects that are happening around the state. Current work zones and real-time traffic conditions also are available on the INDOT Cars Program map.

INDOT has activities planned across the state to observe National Work Zone Awareness Week. Monday was Work Zone Safety Training Day, and Wednesday was Go Orange for Safety Day.

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For information about National Work Zone Awareness Week, visit nwzaw.org.

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