MnDOT honors fallen transportation workers for Worker Memorial Day
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation honors transportation workers who have been killed or injured while working on state highways in recognition of Worker Memorial Day.
Since 1960, 36 MnDOT workers and 16 contractors have lost their lives while working on Minnesota highways.
Gov. Tim Walz has proclaimed April 28, 2025, as Worker Memorial Day in Minnesota and the Interstate 35W Bridge in Minneapolis will be lit orange tonight to honor the men and women who have died while working in work zones.
“Hundreds of people are out on Minnesota roads working next to traffic every day, to keep travelers safe and improve roads, bridges and transportation systems we all rely on,” said Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. “We’re all safer in the work zone when we work together. We need every driver approaching work zones to slow down, obey work zone speed limits, put away distractions, and create a safe work zone for everyone.”
MnDOT reminds travelers that drivers and passengers suffer the majority of work zone deaths and injuries and the agency urges all drivers to follow these safety tips in work zones:
- Drive the work zone speed limit. It helps create a consistent, more predictable traffic flow for everyone. The fine for speeding in a work zone is $300.
- Drive undistracted. Avoid using cell phones, mobile devices, adjusting the radio – even eating – while in a work zone.
- Move over. Give workers room to safely complete their work.
- Be patient. Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Never enter a road blocked with barriers or cones.
- Know before you go. Visit 511mn.org to get real-time information about traffic and road conditions, or download the free 511mn app at Google Play or the App Store.
- Avoid unnecessary lane changes.
- Do the zipper merge.
Visit MnDOT’s Transportation Worker Memorial website to see the list of fallen workers in Minnesota, their stories, and the permanent worker memorial installation at MnDOT headquarters.
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