‘Respect the Zone So We All Get Home’: National Work Zone Awareness Week underway in Illinois

CHICAGO — State transportation officials and police are urging drivers to respect work zones as the construction season ramps up.

It is National Work Zone Awareness Week. The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois Tollway and state police held a press conference Tuesday morning sharing details about local projects and how to safely navigate work zones.

The year’s theme is “Respect the Zone So We All Get Home.”

“The people you pass working on equipment or behind the cones and barricades are someone’s father, mother, son, daughter, friend and neighborhor. Whether you encounter a small crew patching potholes or multiple workers on an interstate construction project that stretches across several miles, the people in that work zone want to get home at the end of the day just like you,” said Jose Rios, Region 1 Engioneer, Illinois Department of Transportation.

The joint safety message is to help reduce the number of crashes, inuries and deaths on roadways in Illinois.

Many frontline works Tuesday shared their personal encounters on working in the field.

As construction season is upon us, there will be lane changes, closures, signage and multiple work zones.

According to the Illinois Tollway, it is investing $1.15 billion in roadway repairs and improvements. Much of that construction occuring as part of the Move Illinois capital program.

“That includes major work on portions of the central Tri-State Tollway, I-294 between St. Charles Road and I-55. As well as where we’re building a massive interchange connecting I-294 to I-290 and I-88. When completed, these improvements will make traveling on the tollway safer and more convenient for our customers,” said Rohan Gayle, Chief of Maintenance and Traffic, Illinois Tollway.

The biggest message is to respect work zones and to make sure you are within the speed limit and avoid any distractions.