INDOT Celebrates National Work Zone Awareness Week

National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) brings awareness to motorist and worker safety in highway work zones right as highway construction season starts. 

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Along with the rest of the country, Indiana is observing April 20-24 as Work Zone Awareness Week. 

National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) brings awareness to motorist and worker safety in highway work zones right as highway construction season starts. 

This year, the 2020 NWZAW 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," Governor Eric J. 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 INDOT work zone crashes, the highest number of fatalities in the last 15 years.  

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

In 2020, 37 people have already 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.

Motorists can visit www.nextlevelroads.com to view an interactive map of projects happening in Indiana. INDOT uses work zone signage, traffic alerts, and social media to keep Hoosier drivers updated on construction projects. 

Current work zones and real-time traffic conditions are also available on the INDOT Cars Program map.

As part of NWZAW, INDOT has planned activities across the state including Work Zone Safety Training Day on Monday, April 20, and Go Orange for Safety Day on Wednesday, April 22. 

To learn more about NWZAW, visit nwzaw.org.