SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A media event is scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025, in Sioux Falls to mark the beginning of National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) and to kick off South Dakota's 2025 construction season. The event will bring together local, state, and industry leaders in a joint effort to promote roadway safety and highlight upcoming construction projects in the region.

Held annually at the start of construction season, NWZAW serves as a nationwide initiative to remind drivers of the importance of staying alert in and around work zones. The 2025 theme is “Respect the zone so we all get home.”

“All drivers need to intentionally eliminate distractions and focus on the road when behind the wheel,” said Joel Jundt, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT). “Each of us must take personal responsibility to assure roadway workers, fellow drivers, and our own passengers arrive home safely each day.”

The media event will take place at 10 a.m. CT at the Sioux Falls Area Office, located at 5316 W. 60th St. N. Representatives from the South Dakota AGC, SDDOT, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the contracting industry will be in attendance.

“This is a concerted effort by many to raise public awareness,” said Craig Smith, SDDOT Director of Operations. “During NWZAW, our SDDOT team members partner with area contractors and local, state, and federal agencies to provide safety tips and to officially kick-off the 2025 construction season by highlighting key projects across South Dakota.”

The press conference will provide updates on major infrastructure improvements across the Sioux Falls metro area, and showcase digital resources for drivers, including project pages on the SDDOT website, SD511, and text-in updates for real-time construction alerts.

In addition to the event, South Dakotans are encouraged to show their support for roadway safety by participating in “Go Orange Day” on Wednesday, April 23. Everyone is invited to wear orange and post photos on social media using the hashtags #NWZAW, #Orange4Safety, or #SDDOT.

The SDDOT is also promoting educational tools for families and classrooms, including downloadable coloring sheets, crossword puzzles, and word finds that focus on construction safety. These materials can be found on the SDDOT website and are free for public use.

NWZAW, which began more than two decades ago, continues to unite federal and state agencies, contractors, and communities in an effort to reduce injuries and fatalities in roadway work zones. For more details on the national campaign, visit www.nwzaw.org.

For real-time travel and construction updates, visit sd511.org or dial 511. Information about upcoming South Dakota construction projects can be found at dot.sd.gov.

Originally Reported by News South dakota Edu.