The Alabama Department of Transportation and the Associated General Contractors of America officially kicked off 2026 National Work Zone Awareness Week on Monday with a press conference in Mobile, emphasizing the critical role drivers play in keeping road crews safe.
Leaders from ALDOT, AGC, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Alabama Road Builders Association gathered to promote work zone safety and reinforce a simple message: driver behavior can save lives.
“Every work zone is a place where people are doing important work,” said Brian Aaron. “When drivers slow down and stay focused, they’re not just following the law — they’re protecting the men and women working just feet from traffic.”
Officials highlighted the risks crews face daily, often working with little more than cones or barriers separating them from moving vehicles. That makes driver awareness — including slowing down, eliminating distractions and obeying posted signs — essential.
Jeremy Burkett said law enforcement will maintain a strong presence in work zones statewide throughout the campaign.
“We’ll be visible in work zones across Alabama,” Burkett said. “But this effort is about more than enforcement. It’s about changing behavior. Safe actions behind the wheel can prevent crashes and save lives.”
This year’s campaign also highlights new tools aimed at reducing speeding in construction zones. Skip Powe pointed to a pilot program signed into law by Kay Ivey as part of the Alabama Work Zone Safety Act.
The program allows for automated speed enforcement in a designated interstate work zone, targeting one of the leading causes of serious crashes.
“Work zones are among the most dangerous areas on our roadways,” Powe said. “Speeding continues to be a major factor in crashes. This pilot program gives us another tool to improve compliance and make these areas safer for everyone.”
National Work Zone Awareness Week, held each spring, serves as a nationwide reminder for drivers to use extra caution in construction areas.
The 2026 theme underscores that message:
“Safe actions, save lives.”
For more information, visit NWZAW.org.
