Featured photo: The memorial is in the Transportation Building lobby at 395 John Ireland Blvd. in Saint Paul. Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Gov. Tim Walz has proclaimed Tuesday, April 28, 2020, as Worker Memorial Day in Minnesota, in recognition of the 35 MnDOT workers killed while working on Minnesota Highways since 1960.
Today, the I35W bridge in Minneapolis will be lit orange. No public events will be hosted to observe Worker Memorial Day this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Gov. Walz’s subsequent stay at home order.
“Hundreds of men and women are working on our roadways every day to improve our state’s transportation system,” said Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher.
“All Minnesotans share in the responsibility of ensuring these dedicated workers make it home safely to their families at the end of the day.”
Drivers and passengers suffer the vast majority of work zone deaths and injuries.
Motorists are reminded to:
- Stay alert; work zones constantly change due to lane shifts, closures and moving workers and vehicles
- Watch for signs, equipment and workers
- Minimize distractions behind the wheel
- Avoid tailgating
- Follow posted speed limits and directional signs
- Be patient; expect delays, especially during peak travel times
