Highway work zone week to be observed in Oklahoma

 

 

Two weeks after an 18-year old worker on an Interstate 35 bridge was killed in a work zone accident in northern Oklahoma, the state prepares to observe an annual work zone awarness week April 15-19.

Entitled Make it Home Safe; Make Oklahoma Safe, the week is observed by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.

Drivers can follow a few simple rules of the road such as buckling up, putting away distractions and slowing down inside work zones to help get not only highway workers but all Oklahomans home safe each day.

“As we move through spring and summer, drivers should expect to see more work zones statewide,” stated both.

In fact, there will be more than 145 work zones in Oklahoma this summer driving season. These range from short-term maintenance projects with minimal impact to traffic to major interstate and turnpike reconstruction, which can affect more than 100,000 vehicles per day.

“We are always working to improve our highway network across the state and spring and summer are the peak road work time,” said ODOT Executive Director Tim Gatz. “Slowing down, putting away distractions and buckling up can make all the difference in the world when traveling through a work zone.”

Hundreds of collisions occur in work zones annually, and many of these fatalities and injuries are caused by inattentive driving, following too closely and speeding in construction zones. In its history, 72 ODOT and OTA employees have been killed in the line of duty, more than any other state agencies except the military.

“Those crossing Oklahoma on I-44 this summer should plan ahead for significant work zones, especially on the I-44/Turner Turnpike where we are continuing to widen the corridor between Tulsa and Oklahoma City to six lanes,” said OTA Executive Director Joe Echelle. “We need the help of the traveling public to make sure all work zones stay safe for both drivers and the workers.”

This year, ODOT, OTA and their partners are recognizing the importance of work zone awareness with several events and activities including:

  • Gov. Kevin Stitt proclaimed April 15-19 as Oklahoma Work Zone Awareness Week in coordination with the National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week.
  • A new work zone safety Public Service Announcement for television, radio and social media which can be viewed here.
  • April 12: OKC Thunder Work Zone Safe Night vs. Milwaukee Bucks
  • April 15 – 19: The Oklahoma Bank in Tulsa will light up orange in solidarity for work zone awareness week
  • April 16: Both the Skydance Bridge over I-40 and the Crystal Bridge at the Myriad Gardens in downtown Oklahoma City will light up orange in remembrance of fallen workers.
  • April 17: Go Orange for Work Zone Safety Day. Wear your favorite orange shirt, tie or your safety vest for a selfie and tag @OKDOT or @OKTurnpike or email them to SCinbox@odot.org for posting to social media.
  • April 17: Moment of Silence to remember ODOT and OTA fallen workers during the opening of the second annual Safe Oklahoma Summit.
  • April 19: ODOT crews will join Oklahoma Work Zone Safe and Oklahoma Challenge for a student safety day in Altus to share the importance of work zone safety with teen drivers.