(JUNEAU, Alaska) –The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) today joined transportation agencies across the country in highlighting National Work Zone Awareness Week, which runs from March 23-through March 27, 2015, coinciding with the beginning of the highway construction season.

This year’s theme, “Expect the Unexpected,” was the original theme used 15 years ago when the national event was first recognized by the Federal Highway Administration, the American Traffic Safety Service Association, and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, to focus attention on work zone safety, raise driver awareness and reduce the number of vehicle intrusions into work zones, incidents that can cause injuries and fatalities. 

Alaska averages nearly 80 highway work zone crashes each year. ADOT&PF reminds drivers to stay alert and be cautious when driving through work zones by minimizing distractions, following signs and flaggers and reducing speeds.

Drivers should prepare for travel by checking travel resources. Construction updates and notifications are available at www.AlaskaNavigator.org and through the Alaska 511 system. Alaska 511 is available online at 511.alaska.gov, by dialing 511, and on social media at @alaska511 or www.Facebook.com/Alaska511. The system provides statewide road condition information, road closures, alerts for emergency incidents, weather conditions affecting travelers and AMBER Alerts.

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.”

# # #

Main Newsroom Page