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651-366-4280
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395 John Ireland Blvd.
Mail Stop 150
St. Paul, MN 55155-1899
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Mn/DOT to commemorate Workers Memorial Day
Department reminds drivers to use extra caution in construction work zones
ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Transportation will honor 44 workers who have died while working on Mn/DOT construction projects on Workers Memorial Day, April 28.
"Since 1960, 31 state highway workers and 13 contract workers have lost their lives while working on Minnesota highways,” said Transportation Commissioner Tom Sorel. “It is important that we remember these men and women and honor them by using extra caution in work zones during the spring and summer months."
The agency’s statewide observance to commemorate the day will be highlighted by 10 seconds of silence to honor those Mn/DOT employees and contract workers who have been injured or killed on the job.
Ceremonies will be held April 28 at the district headquarters in Rochester and the Cedar Avenue Truck Station in Richfield. Representatives from the Minnesota State Patrol and local unions will participate in the commemorations.
The vast majority of deaths and injuries are suffered by motorists driving in the work zones, according to Sorel. Overall, death and injuries in work zones increased in the last year. The number of work zone crashes on Minnesota state highways increased from 1,128 incidents in 2008, to 1,441 work zone crashes in 2009. Fatalities and injuries also increased; in 2008, five people died and 14 were severely injured, while 10 died and 17 were seriously injured in 2009, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
“The increased incidents are reason for concern as this year Mn/DOT will be working on 217 state highway construction projects throughout Minnesota.” Sorel said.
Mn/DOT urges motorists to follow these recommendations in work zones:
- Stay alert.
- Watch for signs, equipment and workers.
- Minimize distractions, such as using cell phones, eating or drinking.
- Avoid tailgating.
- Follow posted speed limits and directional signs.
- Stay in one lane while driving through a work zone.
Visit Mn/DOT's Worker Memorial Web site for more information about the memorial and Workers Memorial Day.
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