SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State officials across Illinois are intensifying work zone safety efforts as construction activity increases and crash data shows a concerning upward trend in injuries and fatalities.
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police and the Illinois Tollway have partnered for National Work Zone Awareness Week, urging motorists to prioritize caution under the theme “Safe Actions Save Lives.”
Gov. JB Pritzker has officially proclaimed April 20–24 as Work Zone Safety Awareness Week in the state, reinforcing the importance of safe driving behaviors in construction zones.
Work zone incidents are already climbing in 2026. Illinois State Police reported handling 640 crashes in work zones during the first three months of the year, including 91 that resulted in injuries.
Historically, the state averages about 6,195 work zone crashes annually, leading to more than 1,000 injuries. Preliminary figures for 2025 indicate 35 fatalities in work zones — a sharp increase of 22 compared to the previous year. Notably, none of those fatalities involved construction workers.
The data underscores the need for stronger enforcement and heightened driver awareness as construction season accelerates across the state.
To address the issue, IDOT is implementing new tools and strategies aimed at improving both enforcement and real-time communication with drivers.
One key initiative is integration with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Work Zone Data Exchange, which will allow navigation platforms like Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze to deliver up-to-date work zone information directly to users.
Additional safety measures include expanding the use of automated photo enforcement vans, increasing coordination with state police to position more troopers near active construction sites and installing temporary rumble strips to alert drivers as they approach work zones.
Officials say these combined efforts are designed to reduce speed, improve awareness and ultimately prevent crashes.
Beyond enforcement and technology, Illinois agencies are also focusing on public outreach to reinforce safe driving habits.
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IDOT is working with local communities and businesses to illuminate buildings and bridges in orange — a color symbolizing work zone safety — at locations such as the Murray Baker Bridge, the Interstate 74 Bridge and the Morgan Street Bridge.
The agency is also partnering with the Laborers’ International Union of North America to distribute educational materials at rest areas statewide, helping drivers better understand how to safely navigate work zones.
The broader campaign, titled “It’s Not a Game,” emphasizes the real-world consequences of unsafe driving. The initiative highlights that, unlike video games, there are “no extra lives, no respawns and no second chances” when it comes to roadway safety.
As construction activity continues to ramp up, state officials are urging motorists to remain alert, reduce speed and follow posted signs in work zones to protect both themselves and others on the road.
Originally reported by Janis Reeser in Springfield State Journal - Register.
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