Published April 24, 2008
Memorial Friday for DOT workers killed in work zones
THE OLYMPIANMemorial honors fallen workers56 transportation workers have died in work zones since 1950WHEN: The Washington State Department of Transportation will be honor roadway workers at 8:30 a.m. Friday. WHAT: The WSDOT campus flag will be lowered to half-staff by family and roadway workers. A program and video tribute to fallen workers will be shown, along with an arrangement of 56 cones at the WSDOT lobby representing those who have died.WHO: Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond, Justin Thayer and Phil Bogardus from Granite Construction, families of fallen workers and WSDOT workers.WHERE: WSDOT Headquarters, 310 Maple Park Ave. S.E., Olympia, at the Flag Plaza facing Capitol Way, with the program and reception following in the 1st Floor Plaza of the WSDOT building.WHY: April is National Work Zone Awareness Month. Since 1950, WSDOT has lost 56 workers in work-zone related fatalities. Fifty-two of the deaths occurred between 2000 and 2007. During that time, there also have been 5,411 injuries and 593 accidents involving alcohol in work zones.