With warmer weather bringing more road projects across Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission are reminding motorists to slow down and stay alert in work zones.
State officials marked National Work Zone Awareness Week by highlighting the dangers facing road crews and drivers alike. Gov. Josh Shapiro proclaimed April 20-24 as the statewide observance, using the theme “Safe actions save lives.”
According to PennDOT, Pennsylvania recorded 1,393 work zone crashes in 2025, resulting in 12 deaths. Most of those killed were drivers, not workers. Officials said one of the leading causes of fatal crashes was motorists driving too fast for conditions.
PennDOT also tracked 428 intrusions into active work zones last year, incidents in which vehicles entered restricted areas. Sixteen of those cases caused injuries to PennDOT employees.
Worker memorials from PennDOT and the Turnpike Commission were displayed during the event to honor employees killed on the job. Since 1970, PennDOT has lost 93 workers in the line of duty, while the Turnpike has lost 45 workers since 1940.
Officials said safety efforts have helped lower crash numbers. The Turnpike Commission reported its work zone crash rate has dropped more than 20% through coordination with PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police.
Pennsylvania uses several tools to improve safety, including barriers, crash trucks, rumble strips and enhanced warning signs. Drivers also face tougher penalties in active work zones.
Motorists caught by police traveling 11 mph or more above the posted speed limit in an active work zone automatically lose their license for 15 days. Fines for offenses such as speeding, DUI, and ignoring traffic devices are doubled. Serious crashes causing death can also bring additional prison time.
The state’s Work Zone Speed Safety Camera program also remains active. Cameras mounted in work zones issue warnings for first offenses, followed by $75 fines for second violations and $150 fines for later offenses. No license points are assessed.
Students from around the state also attended the event as part of PennDOT’s annual Innovations Challenge, where high school teams presented ideas using artificial intelligence to improve work zone safety.
Drivers can check traffic conditions, weather and construction updates through 511PA and PennDOT’s online project resources.
Source: pa.gov