Federal Highway Administration, Connecticut Department of Transportation Urge Drivers To Prioritize Safety During National Work Zone Awareness Week

(FARMINGTON, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont, the Federal Highway Administration, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), state and federal officials, labor leaders, and safety advocates gathered today at the CTDOT maintenance garage in Farmington to recognize the start of National Work Zone Awareness Week, observed April 20 to 24, 2026, and to urge motorists to take an active role in protecting roadway workers and drivers.

Connecticut hosted the national kickoff for this year's observance as part of today's event. The event included remarks from transportation and public safety leaders, labor representatives, and partners committed to improving work zone safety across the state and nation.

National Work Zone Awareness Week honors the workers and professionals who help keep construction zones safe, including highway crews, public works employees, utility companies, contractors, and law enforcement. CTDOT's theme for this year's awareness week, "Safe Actions, Save Lives," reinforces the importance of responsible driving in active work zones. Governor Lamont also signed a proclamation recognizing Work Zone Awareness Week in Connecticut.

"Every decision we make behind the wheel matters," Governor Lamont said. "In work zones, a moment of distraction can have serious consequences. By slowing down, staying alert, and respecting roadway workers, we can help ensure everyone gets home safely."

"Safety is the number one priority of the Trump Administration and all road users need to do their part to help reduce the number of fatalities that occur in work zones," Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster said. "Under U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's leadership, we are calling on drivers to put down the phone, avoid distractions, obey posted speed limits, and focus on driving safely while traveling through active work zones. The lives of every highway worker depend on taking safe actions."

For more than 25 years, CTDOT's volunteer-led Work Zone Safety Awareness Committee has worked to eliminate work zone fatalities through education and outreach initiatives.

Work zone crashes remain a serious safety issue in Connecticut and nationwide. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2023, there were 2,651 crashes and 12 fatalities in Connecticut work zones. Nationally in 2023, there were 898 work zone fatalities.

"Safe actions behind the wheel save lives," Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said. "Work zones are active, unpredictable environments, and our crews depend on drivers to slow down, stay focused, and follow the signs."

"Completing work on the highway is a challenge when vehicles are driving by at high speeds," Colonel Daniel Loughman, commanding officer of the Connecticut State Police, said. "Please remember that our first responders and CTDOT crews work on the roads at all hours of the day, and we count on drivers to slow down in work zones. At the end of their shifts, they want to return home."

How the Public Can Support Work Zone Awareness Week

• Go Orange Day on Wednesday, April 22: CTDOT invites the public to participate in Go Orange Day by wearing orange and posting photos on social media with the hashtags #NWZAW, #ObeyTheOrange, and #Orange4Safety to promote work zone safety awareness.
• Moment of Silence on Friday, April 24: At 12:00 p.m., CTDOT encourages everyone to pause for a moment of silence to honor the 39 CTDOT employees and all people who have tragically lost their lives in work zone crashes.

CTDOT acknowledges the dedication of highway construction and maintenance workers, local public works departments, public utility companies, private contractors, construction industry professionals, and law enforcement officers who all play a role in ensuring work zone safety. Their commitment to safety reinforces the need for all drivers to Obey the Orange and exercise caution in work zones.

For information, safety tips, and news regarding work zone safety in Connecticut, visit ObeyTheOrange.com.