The Kansas Department of Transportation announced on April 23 that it is sharing personal stories throughout National Work Zone Awareness Week to emphasize the importance of safety in construction zones.
According to Heather Jennings, Construction Manager for KDOT in Syracuse, signs in construction zones are designed to protect both the traveling public and road workers. Jennings wrote about an incident where three vehicles entered an active construction zone without waiting for the pilot car as directed by posted signs. “We work to get the job done safely and efficiently. Please follow the signs and show respect to the people out there in the work zones,” Jennings said.
The department said that workers and equipment are always moving within work zones, making adherence to signage critical for everyone’s safety. Pilot car operations are implemented to guide travelers safely through these areas.
Jennings’ full blog post on work zone safety is available at kansastransportation.blogspot.com, with similar daily updates planned as part of this year’s awareness campaign. The department noted that Friday’s blog will feature Andrew Booth, Safety Coordinator at Kansas Turnpike Authority in Wichita.
Work zone safety blogs for the 2026 series began Monday, April 20. More information can be found at the organization’s website.
