ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – After the tragic death of two construction contractors in the Twin Cities area, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has paused all roadwork in the state for the first time.
In what is being called a “safety stand down,” all work was paused Monday, September 29, to honor the loss of a contractor who was killed in Burnsville on September 24, and a contractor who was killed in Maple Grove on September 25.
“I am deeply saddened and concerned by the recent tragic incidents that took the lives of two contractors working to improve Minnesota roads. Today, MnDOT staff took an unprecedented step to pause work and honor the lives of these two men and to recommit and focus on the safety of every person who works for and with our agency,” said MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger. “Safety is always our number one priority at MnDOT, and we will continue to work closely with our staff and contractors to improve our work zones to help ensure we all get home to our families safely.”
“Every crash is more than a statistic — it’s a family changed forever. Work zones are places where Minnesotans are on the job, not just cones and signs on the road,” said State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogojevic. “We need every driver to slow down, pay attention and treat those areas with extra care. The safety of our workers and of everyone traveling on our roads depends on it.”
Motorists are further encouraged to obey all posted speed limits, drive undistracted and to move over when passing workers.
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