ARKANSAS PARTICIPATES IN NATIONAL WORK ZONE AWARENESS WEEK

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) is participating in National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), April 8-12.

This week is a national safety campaign observed each spring, traditionally the start of construction season, to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. This year’s national theme is, “Drive Like You Work Here.”

There were 2,085 crashes in Arkansas work zones in 2017. These statistics further demonstrate the importance of raising awareness of work zone safety.

ARDOT is placing “Slow Down. Move Over. Work With Us” signs in major work zones across the state, advocating that motorists collaborate with the department by being safe and responsible drivers.

Gov. Asa Hutchinson has signed a proclamation designating April 8-12 as Work Zone Awareness Week in Arkansas. As part of NWZAW, the Big Dam Bridge, Two Rivers Pedestrian Bridge, the Main Street Bridge in downtown Little Rock, and the Union Plaza Building will be lit with orange lights in observance of the campaign.

Promotional posters will be on display around the state Capitol building for the entire week, and ARDOT will promote work zone safety through appearances at the Northwest Arkansas Naturals’ baseball game at Arvest Park in Springdale on April 9 and at the Arkansas Travelers’ game at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock on April 11.

Arkansas’ 2019 Work Zone Awareness Week partners include the Arkansas Good Roads Foundation, the Arkansas Chapter of the American Traffic Safety Services Association, AGC Arkansas, the Arkansas Asphalt Pavement Association and the Federal Highway Administration.