Gianforte, MDT promote work zone safety

HELENA, Mont. - State leaders with the Montana Department of Transportation are promoting safe work zones, to help keep Montanans working on our state's roadways safe.

Governor Greg Gianforte joined those workers at an event Tuesday to participate in a mock work zone experience.

MDT employees guided attendees through the work zone, stopping at checkpoints to learn about how to properly navigate different types of work zones.

According to data, in Montana between 2020 and 2024, there were on average 235 crashes per year related to work zones, including 12 fatal crashes and 284 injury crashes.

MDT officials believe these incidences can be avoided if drivers slow down and are aware of their surroundings while driving through a work zone.

“Safety is an everyday pursuit. Simple actions go a really long way. So, slow down, be observant, watch your behavior, impairment is a terrible thing so don’t do that. There are things that simple behavior modifications can make a huge impact and a positive one on safety,” said Chris Dorrington, Montana Department of Transportation director.

Gianforte said people are putting their lives on the line in these work zones and it’s crucial to bring awareness to this issue.

“These people are doing incredibly important work, but literally they’re working inches or feet away from speeding cars. You can help them out by slowing down and moving over,” said Gianforte.

This event is part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, an annual campaign that occurs at the beginning of each construction season to encourage safe driving behavior through work zones.