Staff photo/Rhonda Silence Reconstruction has begun on Highway 61 through Tofte, near the Onion River. Motorists are reminded to slow down and use caution through the workzone.
Thirty-one state highway workers and 13 contract workers who died in the line of duty since 1960 were honored on April 28, Workers Memorial Day, by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
“Each day, thousands of men and women put on their boots and hard hats and work on building and repairing Minnesota’s roadway system,” said Transportation Commissioner Tom Sorel. “As part of recognizing those employees, Mn/DOT urges motorists to use extra caution in work zones as the number of highway projects increases during the spring and summer months.”
The statewide observance Tuesday, April 28 was highlighted by a moment of silence to honor those Mn/DOT employees and partners who have been injured or killed on the job.
This year, Mn/DOT will be working on one of its largest construction programs ever, including on Highway 61 in Tofte and at the Grand Portage State Park in Grand Portage.
“There will be many work zones across Minnesota and hundreds of transportation workers will be working on construction and maintenance projects in every corner of the state,” Sorel said. “The best way for all of us to honor the workers who have died in the line of duty is to stay alert and follow safe practices in work zones.”
Motorists are reminded to follow these recommendations in work zones: stay alert; watch for signs, equipment and workers; minimize distractions, such as using cell phones, eating or drinking; avoid tailgating; follow posted speed limits and directional signs; stay in one lane while driving through a work zone.
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