DOT Urges Travelers To Be Careful In Work Zones: In Tazlina, A Two-Year Old Work Zone Crash Still Seems Fresh
APRIL 17TH, 2026 FROM THE JOURNAL: Copper Valley people are familiar with the disastrous possibilities of running into a road construction ...
APRIL 17TH, 2026
FROM THE JOURNAL:Copper Valley people are familiar with the disastrous possibilities of running into a road construction zone. On August 1st, 2024, two summers ago, five vehicles in a construction line at the bottom of Simpson Hill in Tazlina were all rear-ended. Attached are photographs taken at the time and published in the Copper River Country Journal. DOT has just sent out a reminder of the dangers of construction zones.
OUR DANGEROUS ROAD HOME
(JUNEAU, Alaska) – As spring slowly emerges in Alaska, and our busy season of road construction and maintenance work arrives with orange cones and work signs, we are reminded that it’s also the season for extra caution and attentiveness when travelling through work zones. The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is proud to continue our participation in National Work Zone Awareness Week, Monday, April 20 through Friday, April 24.
For over 20 years, National Work Zone Awareness Week has been focused on the awareness about importance of work zone safety. This year’s theme, “Safe Actions Save Lives” is a powerful reminder that the decisions we make and the actions we take behind the wheel matter greatly to everyone in those zones. Alaska DOT&PF’s ongoing commitment to encourage safe driving behavior leads to a reduction of work zone crashes, allowing everyone to get home safely.
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| August 1st crash in Tazlina. (All photos courtesy Shilah Butler) |
“As we recognize Work Zone Awareness Week and Go Orange Day, we’re reinforcing a simple message—safe actions save lives,” said Alaska DOT&PF Commissioner Ryan Anderson. “This construction season, our crews and contractors are working in active corridors across Alaska to improve the transportation system we all depend on. These are real work environments, and the choices drivers make matter. We ask everyone to stay alert, slow down, and do their part to protect the people working on our roads.”
Driver decisions are tremendously important in increasing safety in work zones. By slowing down, remaining attentive, following posted signs, and avoiding distractions (such putting away mobile devices), drivers help prevent crashes and save the lives of construction workers, as well as fellow road users.
Travelers should plan for extra time to reach their destinations, and check road conditions and construction impacts at 511.alaska.gov or on the Alaska 511 app.
April 22 is Go Orange Day - it’s an opportunity to show unified support for the safety of work zone crews in Alaska and nationwide. Please join us in wearing orange or hi-visibility safety gear. You may send us safety gear photos to share on Alaska DOT&PF social media via email: DOT.ASK@alaska.gov. Please join our campaign by using the tags #GoOrange4Safety #NWZAW and #SafeAlaskaWorkZones.
