LITTLE ROCK (4-5) – 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. Work Zone
Awareness Week spreads the message that work zone safety is everyone’s responsibility.
ARDOT will host a media event Monday, April 8 at Kanis Park in Little Rock at
10:00 a.m. During the event, ARDOT will unveil signs to launch the “Slow Down. Move Over.
Work With Us” campaign. These signs will be placed in major work zones across the State,
advocating that motorists collaborate with the Department by being safe and responsible
drivers.
Governor Asa Hutchinson has signed a proclamation designating April 8-12 as Work Zone
Awareness Week in Arkansas (see attached). 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 Natural’s
baseball game at Arvest Park in Springdale on April 9th and at the Arkansas Traveler’s game
at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock on April 11th.
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Arkansas’ 2019 Work Zone Awareness Week partners include the Arkansas Chapter of the
American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), Arkansas Chapter, Associated General
Contractors of America (AGC), the Arkansas Asphalt Pavement Association (AAPA),
Arkansas Good Roads Foundation, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
National Work Zone Awareness Week was formed by ATSSA, the American Association of
State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and the FHWA.
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