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NDOT, AGC, and Partner Contractors Across the State Recognize Work Zone Awareness Week
April 15, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) — The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), the Associated General Contractors (AGC) Nebraska chapter, and partner contractors across the state are recognizing Work Zone Awareness Week, which occurs nationally from April 15-19. This national effort, sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), emphasizes simple actions everyone can take.
“The safety of NDOT’s people and our fellow contractors who are out in work zones, as well as Nebraskans and our state’s guests traveling through, is not a coincidence. Maintaining the quality of life we have in Nebraska requires a lot of commitment, intention and cooperation," says Vicki Kramer, NDOT Director. "We all must prioritize their safety by avoiding phone use while driving, slowing down, and remaining watchful when driving through work zones in Nebraska. This is everyone’s responsibility.”
Governor Pillen signed a proclamation declaring this week as Work Zone Awareness Week to serve as a reminder for everyone to drive safely this construction season and remain vigilant.
“One of our biggest concerns when it comes to the contractors working hard to build our state’s infrastructure is distracted driving. When you see orange cones and signs, please slow down and pay attention. Our goal at the end of the day is to get all construction workers and members of the travelling public home safe to their families, said Katie Wilson, AGC Executive Director.
NDOT and AGC encourage all motorists to slow down, be alert, and give construction workers the space they need to work. Together, we can create a safer environment for those who are at the highest risk in work zones.
Tyler Chicoine, President of Garcia-Chicoine Enterprises stated, “As a firm that does a large amount of our work on the interstate, safety is top of mind. There is only so much that my crews can do to stay safe. This week and every week, we urge drivers to take extra precautions when driving in our work zones. We are working each day to make the roads more safe for Nebraskans and ask that drivers pay attention as we do that work.”
NDOT and AGC encourage all motorists to slow down, be alert, and give construction workers the space they need to work. Together, we can create a safer environment for those who are at the highest risk in work zones.
For video and photos from today's event, please visit: ndot.info/WorkZoneSafety.
Visit 511.nebraska.gov for a real-time look at Nebraska traffic. Stay safe – plan ahead, follow detours, and always remember to buckle up, and phone down.
NDOT and AGC Recognize National Work Zone Awareness Week in Nebraska
April 10, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) — The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), together with the American General Contractors (AGC), will host a press conference on Monday, April 15, to recognize Work Zone Awareness Week.
This press conference will recognize National Work Zone Awareness Week and provide a call to action for the traveling public on the importance for motorists’ awareness of workers present in active construction zones on Nebraska’s highways. Drivers should be aware that most work zone crash fatalities are motorists and passengers. In 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data shows 742 drivers and passengers died in work zones.
What: NDOT and AGC Recognize National Work Zone Awareness Week
When: Monday, April 15 - 9 a.m. CST
Where: Nebraska Department of Transportation
1500 Nebraska Parkway
Lincoln, NE 68502
Event will also be streamed live on NDOT’s Facebook page.
Who:
- Vicki Kramer, Director of the Nebraska Department of Transportation
- Katie Wilson, AGC Executive Director
- Ben Merchant, NDOT District 4 District Operations and Maintenance Manager
- Tyler Chicoine, President of Garcia-Chicoine Enterprises, Inc.
Event photos can be viewed here.
NDOT Seeks Witty, Creative Friday Safety Messages
April 1, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) — “DON’T FLY THROUGH NEBRASKA, SLOW DOWN.” The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) invites you to contribute clever and insightful "Friday Safety Messages" for display on electronic message boards along Nebraska's Interstate and other major highways. These messages will be featured every Friday, and the more creative, the better.
Perhaps you’ve caught a glimpse of some of these messages over the past few years, including “SAVE THE MADNESS FOR THE COURT, DRIVE SAFE,” in reference to the NCAA Basketball Tournament, or a St. Patrick’s Day reminder to “HOLD ON TO YOUR POT O’ GOLD, DRIVE SOBER.” Many of these short safety snippets have ties to holidays or special events, such as the Olympics, current events, back-to-school or sports.
After a successful launch in 2017, the NDOT, in partnership with the Nebraska State Patrol, wants to continue that effort, reaching out to the public for witty, creative messages to display on Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) across the state. A new safety message will be posted every Friday, for 24 hours from 12:00 a.m. Friday to 12:00 a.m. Saturday, on overhead DMS along I-80 and I-29, reminding motorists to consider all aspects of driving and safety.
Submissions for safety-oriented messages will be accepted from April 1 to April 30. Contributors are encouraged to focus on safe driving topics, incorporating tie-ins with holidays and upcoming events throughout the summer and early fall of 2024. Messages should consist of three lines, with a maximum of 18 characters per line (including spaces). These will be evaluated to conform to regulations and edited for clarity.
For more information, visit ndot.info/FSM. To submit a message, visit ndot.info/submit-a-FSM. Don’t delay. Send your Friday Safety Messages today, and remember: “DON’T FUMBLE YOUR LIFE AWAY, BUCKLE UP!”
Work Zone Awareness Week Press Conference
Work Zone Awareness Month Press Event Photos
Additional photos of the press conference can be found here.
Work Zone Photos
Photo Credit: Nebraska Department of Transportation
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