As spring ushers in a busy road construction and maintenance season, the emergence of orange cones and work signs reminds folks to exercise extra caution and attentiveness when traveling through work zones. The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is continuing its participation in National Work Zone Awareness Week from Monday, April 21, through Friday, April 25.
Work Zone Awareness Week is an annual nationwide initiative aimed at raising awareness about the importance of work zone safety and the risks faced by everyone in those zones. This year’s theme is “Respect the Zone, So We All Get Home.”
Alaska DOT&PF Commissioner Ryan Anderson said this year’s construction season was one of the busiest the DOT&PF has seen in years. “Work Zone Awareness Week is a reminder that behind every orange sign are skilled DOT&PF staff and contractors working together to improve safety and reliability for all Alaskans. We ask drivers to stay alert, slow down, and help protect the people building and maintaining the roads we all rely on.”
Motorists are urged to join in this commitment to work zone safety to protect the lives of construction and maintenance workers and fellow road travelers.
Remain attentive, follow posted speed limits, and avoid distractions such as texting or using mobile devices. Drivers should also be prepared for sudden changes in traffic patterns and lane closures.
Travelers should factor in extra time to reach their destinations, and before heading out, they should check road conditions and construction at 511.alaska.gov or on the Alaska 511 app.
Furthermore, April 23 is Go Orange Day—an opportunity to show unified support for the safety of work zone crews in Alaska and nationwide. If Alaskans would like to participate, the DOT&PF is asking for folks to take photos wearing safety colors (high-visibility orange or yellow) and post them to social media using the tags #Orange4Safety #NWZAW #SafeAlaskaWorkZones.
