INDOT and Indiana toll roads participate in Work Zone Awareness Week

The Indiana Department of Transportation, or INDOT, partnered with Indiana toll roads to host a media event on Wednesday.

The event was used to talk about Work Zone Awareness Week, which takes place April 8 through 12.

The nationwide initiative is aimed at cutting down on road construction-related deaths by encouraging safe driving.

“We all have jobs, we all work in different industries. Some are behind a desk and some people work on the highway. Whether you’re in an office or on the highway, we want to get home,” Rick Fedder, COO of Indiana Toll Road, said.

In 2017, there were 28 deadly work zone crashes in Indiana and another 25 in Michigan.

Representatives from INDOT, Indiana Toll Road and Indiana State Police were on hand to discuss work zone safety for drivers and motorists, including texting while driving.

“It’s a lifestyle change that you have to make because we’re so glued to our phones. So much of even my job that I do, deals with a phone. It’s something that you really need to consciously think about, and pay attention to and catch yourself and stop yourself from doing it,” Sgt. Ted Bohner said.

They also talked about major project happening in the area including the following:

• SR 933 in South Bend/Mishawaka
• U.S. 20 Bypass in South Bend
• Capital Avenue bridge in St. Joseph County
• U.S. 20/SR 2 “dogbone” interchange in LaPorte County
• U.S. 20 resurfacing and added travel lane in Michigan City
• U.S. 35 bridge in LaPorte

Officials encouraged drivers to always stay alert, take it slow and give crews as much distance as possible during the busy construction months.