Prairie State Wire

With construction season beginning, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police, Illinois Tollway, industry partners, and frontline construction workers have come together for National Work Zone Awareness Week. They are reminding motorists that "You play a role in work zone safety. Work with us."

Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman emphasized the importance of caution in work zones during Year Five of Gov. JB Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois capital program. "When you pass through these work zones, please remember the people behind the cones and barricades," said Osman.

Gov. Pritzker has declared April 17-21 as "Work Zone Safety Awareness Week" in Illinois to highlight work zone risks. The public should be prepared for lane closures, traffic pattern changes, reduced speed limits, and workers' presence. IDOT is promoting "tailgate talks" among staff to refresh them on work zone protocol.

ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly noted that five state troopers have been injured this year due to drivers not slowing down near emergency vehicles. He urged drivers to pay attention and move over when approaching work zones.

Each year sees over 6,000 motor vehicle crashes in Illinois work zones on average, resulting in more than 1,500 injuries. Preliminary statistics for 2022 show 32 fatalities in these areas.

Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse stressed the need for driver cooperation as they invest nearly $1.5 billion into road safety improvements: "Safety is our highest priority."

The Federal Highway Administration's David Snyder also highlighted safety concerns with increased construction projects due to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's investment.

For more information on IDOT’s campaign and projects this year, visit idot.click/work-zones or itsnotagameillinois.com.