Governor Gianforte, Montana Department of Transportation Promote Safe Work Zones

Inform Montana drivers about ways to keep those working on Montana's highways safe

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte today joined the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), AAA, and Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) to participate in a Mock Work Zone experience at MDT headquarters in Helena.

"Keeping workers and motorists safe in a work zone starts with awareness," Gov. Gianforte said. "By slowing down, minimizing distractions, and following posted signage, we can all do our part to keeping everyone on Montana's roadways safe."

Gov. Gianforte visiting with an MDT employee at an event in Helena

During the event, attendees were informed on how to properly navigate different types of work zones by walking through a construction work zone, guided by MDT employees who are accustomed to working on busy highways and interstates, and stopping at checkpoints to learn about how to travel through one safely.

"Work zone safety means operating safely every trip, every day we're on the road," said MDT Director Chris Dorrington. "As MDT enters its busiest season, it is especially important to remember that behind every cone is a real person from your community."

This event is part of an MDT initiative to promote safe driving behavior when traveling through a work zone and in recognition of National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW). NWZAW is an annual campaign that occurs at the beginning of each construction season to encourage safe driving behavior through work zones.

In Montana between 2020 and 2024, there were on average 235 crashes per year related to work zones, including 12 fatal crashes and 284 injury crashes. To learn more about NWZAW, see here.

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