Construction season is in full swing across Illinois, and state officials are urging drivers to stay alert as National Work Zone Awareness Week unfolds. The Illinois Department of Transportation, along with state police and construction workers, is emphasizing this year’s theme: “Respect the zone so we all get home.” With lane closures, speed reductions, and shifting traffic patterns becoming the norm, authorities are expanding safety measures, including more speed enforcement vans and rumble strips. Drivers are reminded to slow down, avoid distractions, and give workers space—simple steps that could save lives. Learn more at idot.click/work-zones or itsnotagameillinois.com.
Nearly 6,300 crashes occur annually in Illinois work zones, resulting in more than 1,600 injuries. Preliminary numbers from 2024 show 13 fatalities in work zones, including four workers. Illinois Department of Transportation urges drivers to follow safety measures—put phones down, obey signs, slow down, and keep a safe distance. Work zones can range from major road construction to simple maintenance, with orange signs signaling the need for caution. This week, bridges and buildings across the state will be lit orange to raise awareness. IDOT, alongside local partners, is also distributing safety information at rest areas to emphasize the life-saving message.
“Whatever the mode of transportation, we will all be traveling through work zones over the upcoming weeks and months,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “The people you see working on our roads, on equipment, or behind the cones and barricades are someone’s loved one, a friend, a neighbor, part of our community. Working together, we can ensure their safety and yours. Let’s make this the safest construction season ever in Illinois.”
“Road workers are out there repairing and maintaining the highways we drive every day to make them safer for us,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Be a decent human being and respect them and the work they do by slowing down and giving them room so everyone can go home safely.”
“Our highest priority is protecting everyone who uses or works on our roads, and that commitment extends to providing the safest possible work zones as we reconstruct and improve our system, but we’re reminding our customers we need their help,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “Drivers must do their part to protect workers, emergency responders and themselves by taking additional precautions in work zones, including slowing down, following posted speed limits and putting away cellphones to avoid distracted driving. Working together with our customers makes our roads safer for everyone.”
The following guidelines for traveling through work zones should be followed at all times:
- Drop it and drive. Phones and electronic devices down at all times – it’s the law.
- Obey the signs. They will help you safely navigate work zones – and sometimes avoid delays.
- Slow down. The posted speed limits are there for the safety of workers and you.
- Be on the lookout for slowed or stopped traffic.
- Give yourself time to react. Avoid following too closely and maintain at least two seconds of space in front of you.
- Consider the limitations of heavy equipment, trucks and commercial vehicles. Provide them extra distance to come to a complete stop if they are behind you.
- Remember that a work zone can take many forms: a maintenance crew patching potholes or collecting litter, a major interstate reconstruction, a minor repair on a neighborhood street or a utility company out in the field. If you see orange, slow down and save lives.
