(Anchorage, Alaska) – As spring ushers in a busy season of road construction and maintenance work, the emergence of orange cones and work signs remind us that it’s also the season for extra caution and attentiveness when travelling through work zones. The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is proud to continue our participation in National Work Zone Awareness Week, Monday, April 21 through Friday, April 25.

Work Zone Awareness Week is an annual nationwide initiative aimed at raising awareness about the importance of work zone safety, and the risks faced by everyone in those zones. This year’s theme, “Respect the Zone, So We All Get Home” reflects Alaska DOT&PF’s ongoing commitment to encourage safe driving behaviors, leading to a reduction of work zone crashes, and allowing everyone to get home safely.

"This construction season is one of the busiest we've seen in years, as we invest in critical upgrades to Alaska's highway system—our lifeline for communities, commerce, and connection," said Alaska DOT&PF Commissioner Ryan Anderson. "Work Zone Awareness Week is a reminder that behind every orange sign are skilled DOT&PF staff and contractors working together to improve safety and reliability for all Alaskans. We ask drivers to stay alert, slow down, and help protect the people building and maintaining the roads we all rely on."

Motorists are urged to join in this commitment for work zone safety to protect the lives of construction and maintenance workers, as well as fellow road travelers. Remain attentive, follow posted speed limits, and avoid distractions such as texting or using mobile devices. Additionally, drivers should be prepared for sudden changes in traffic patterns and lane closures.

Travelers should factor in extra time to get to their destinations, and before heading out should check road conditions and construction at 511.alaska.gov or on the Alaska 511 app.

April 23 is Go Orange Day - it’s an opportunity to show unified support for the safety of work zone crews in Alaska and nationwide. If Alaskans would like to join our employees in showing support, please take photos wearing safety colors (hi-visibility orange or yellow) and post to social media using the tags #Orange4Safety #NWZAW #SafeAlaskaWorkZones .

For more information about Work Zone Awareness Week, please follow Alaska DOT&PF’s social media campaign.

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The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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