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MnDOT honors fallen transportation workers during Worker Memorial Day

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation honors the men and women who have been killed or injured while working on state roadways during Worker Memorial Day on Wednesday, April 28.

Gov. Tim Walz proclaimed April 28, 2021, as Worker Memorial Day in Minnesota in recognition of the high price transportation workers have paid in the construction and maintenance of Minnesota’s transportation system. On April 28, the Interstate 35W Bridge in Minneapolis will be lit orange in honor of Worker Memorial Day.

Since 1960, 35 MnDOT workers and 16 contractors have lost their lives while working on Minnesota highways.

“Work zone safety is everyone’s responsibility. Our state’s transportation workers keep our roadways operating efficiently and safely, and in turn, it’s on all of us to ensure that they return home safely, as well,” said Governor Walz. “On this Worker Memorial Day, we remember those we have lost, and we recommit ourselves to doing everything we can to keep our workers safe.”

“We work hard to ensure that all our workers can do their jobs and return home safely at the end of the day, but we need the cooperation and attention of motorists,” said Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher. “Slow down, stay alert and avoid distractions in work zones. All Minnesotans share in the responsibility of ensuring safety on our roadways.”

MnDOT reminds the public that motorists and passengers suffer the majority of work zone deaths and injuries and urges all travelers to follow these recommendations in work zones:

• Stay alert; work zones constantly change due to lane shifts, closures and moving workers and vehicles

• Watch for signs, equipment and workers

• Minimize distractions behind the wheel

• Avoid tailgating

• Slow down. Follow posted speed limits and directional signs

• Be patient; expect delays, especially during peak travel times

Visit the MnDOT Worker Memorial website to see the list of fallen workers in Minnesota and the worker memorial at MnDOT headquarters.

 

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