IDOT and Partners Unveil National Work Zone Memorial Wall at Illinois State Fair

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police, American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), and the Associated General Contractors of Illinois today unveiled the National Work Zone Memorial Wall at the Illinois State Fair, to recognize the tragic loss of life in work zones and to stress the importance of increased awareness for motorist and worker safety. The memorial wall is a living tribute to the memory of the men, women and children who have died in work zones across the nation.

“The National Work Zone Safety Memorial symbolizes the collective efforts and commitment of all states for the ongoing challenge to prevent work zone crashes,” said Acting Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider. “IDOT is a leader in the cause and is aggressively working towards our goal- to reduce the number of roadway fatalities to zero, including work zones.”

"The names on the Work Zone Memorial Wall shall remind all of us about the importance of work zone safety and the need for education awareness.  One work zone fatality is one too many, and Illinois State Police are committed to driving that number down to zero every day," said ISP Operations Col. Rob Haley.

Illinois has made significant strides towards the goal of zero fatalities in work zones and on Illinois roadways by reducing the total number of roadway fatalities in recent years. Traffic safety data from 2009 and 2010 shows that Illinois experienced two consecutive years with less than 1,000 roadway fatalities - a historic low dating back to 1921. This accomplishment was due in part to strategies implemented through effective partnerships including roadway infrastructure improvements, media campaigns, targeted safety engineering, signing enhancements and automated work zone speed enforcement among others.

IDOT utilizes media campaigns among other initiatives to create awareness regarding the dangers associated with work zones. IDOT’s See Orange. Slow Down. Save Lives campaign includes audio and visual public service announcements to effectively reach motorists statewide.

More information about IDOT’s Work Zone Safety program can be found at www.dot.il.gov/IllinoisSHSP/zone.html.  In addition, for information regarding the National Work Zone Memorial Wall, please visit www.atssa.com/TheFoundation/TheNationalWorkZoneMemorialRespectandRem.aspx .