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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9, 2019
Press Release: 19-0018
Contact: Meadow Bailey, (907) 451-2240, meadow.bailey@alaska.gov

Alaska DOT&PF Recognizes Work Zone Safety Awareness Week

Photo: Recent work zone crash on the Seward Highway.
Recent work zone crash on the Seward Highway.

(JUNEAU, Alaska) – The end of winter across Alaska signals the start of Alaska’s other season – construction season! Warm temperatures mean that construction season is kicking off early across the state, and the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is reminding drivers to drive with caution in work zones. This week DOT&PF joins other DOTs around the nation to celebrate National Work Zone Awareness Week April 8-12, 2019.

“Please pay attention and slow down in work zones,” said DOT&PF Commissioner John MacKinnon. “This year’s theme is Drive Like You Work Here. We share this message in an effort to protect not only construction workers, but the drivers and passengers who are also injured in work zone crashes.”

In the past two weeks there have been three serious crashes in work zones in Alaska. On average, there are over 120 highway work zone crashes each year in Alaska. DOT&PF reminds drivers to stay alert and be cautious when driving through work zones by minimizing distractions, following signs and flaggers, and reducing speeds.

To view active construction projects, visit www.AlaskaNavigator.org. When planning travel on Alaska highways, visit 511.Alaska.Gov. The Alaska 511 system is also available for drivers by dialing 511, following @alaska511 on Twitter or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Alaska511. The system provides statewide road condition information, including road closures, alerts to emergency incidences, 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.”

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