He’s bold. He’s bright. He’s 100% cones, barrels and barriers. And he’s really hard to miss.
That’s right, W.Z. Flagger — the towering 30-foot-tall mascot of ALDOT’s Southwest Region — is back to spread an important message during National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 21–25). If you’re traveling through the Alabama Welcome Center on I-10 in Grand Bay, don’t be alarmed when you spot what appears to be a traffic control superhero rising from the earth. It’s just W.Z., standing tall and reminding you to “Respect the Zone – So We All Get Home.”
Work Zone Safety – Drive Safe Alabama
Constructed entirely of orange traffic barrels, cones, signage, and a generous helping of highway safety spirit, W.Z. has become a familiar face (okay, maybe not an actual face) over the past three years. He made his debut in front of ALDOT headquarters in Mobile, just off I-65, and has since become an annual icon, appearing at various welcome centers to greet motorists and raise awareness about work zone safety.
“He may not say much — mostly because he doesn’t have a mouth — but W.Z. speaks volumes when it comes to getting people’s attention,” joked one ALDOT team member. “And let’s be honest, you don’t just drive past a 30-foot traffic barrel man without thinking twice about your speed.”
Each year, Work Zone Awareness Week focuses on preventing crashes, injuries, and fatalities in highway work zones. Nationwide efforts — including campaigns like ALDOT’s with W.Z. — have been instrumental in reducing work zone incidents and encouraging drivers to slow down, stay alert, and give road workers the space they need to do their jobs safely.
“W.Z. may be made of plastic, but his message is serious,” said Southwest Region Engineer Matt Ericksen. “Every cone and barrel out there represents someone’s jobsite — and someone’s life. When drivers respect the zone, they help make sure everyone, from workers to fellow travelers, gets home safely.”
And while his work is serious, W.Z. isn’t above cracking a few cone-related jokes. Word around the region is that he’s a real pun guy. Among his favorites?
- “Barrel through the week, but not through a work zone.”
- “Don’t be a cone-head — slow down!”
- “Keep calm and cone on.”
- “Merge like you mean it… and signal like a pro.”
So, if you’re heading down I-10 along the Gulf Coast in April, be sure to wave hello to W.Z. Flagger. He’s not just there to look good — though, let’s face it, he wears those cones very well — he’s there to help save lives.
Work zone safety: It’s not just W.Z.’s mission. It’s everyone’s responsibility.
C&H Construction along with Mobile Section AGC (Alabama General Contractors) are partners with ALDOT in this public information campaign.
