SPRINGFIELD – In efforts to raise awareness and honor those who have died in work zones across Illinois, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is highlighting the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Work Zone Awareness Week.

Bridges and buildings throughout the state will be turning orange this week to honor those who have died in work zones and to raise awareness as the Illinois Department of Transportation signals the start of another construction season.

“If you’re driving over the Morgan Street Bridge at night and notice the orange lights, take a moment to recognize all of the Illinoisans we’ve lost to work zone construction accidents,” Stadelman said. “I’m grateful that the city of Rockford is participating in this statewide effort.”

Rockford’s Morgan Street Bridge is one of the participants that will be turning their lights orange at night.

In 2019, 842 people were killed and 39,100 injured in work zone crashes. Illinois averages 6,400 crashes in work zones each year, resulting in 1,700 injuries and 34 deaths. More than 9 out of 10 deaths are someone other than a worker, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists.

Visit IDOT’s Work Zone page for more information.

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