Press Releases

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2026
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NYC DOT Urges Drivers to Slow Down in Work Zones as Construction Season Begins

Agency joins city, state, and utility partners for National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 20-24

NEW YORK - New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn today urged drivers to slow down and stay alert in work zones as construction activity ramps up citywide, marking National Work Zone Awareness Week from April 20-24. The annual campaign highlights the critical importance of protecting the crews who build, repair, and maintain the city's streets, bridges, and highways. This year's national theme is "Safe Actions, Save Lives."

NYC DOT was joined by representatives from the NYC Department of Design and Construction, the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, the New York State Department of Transportation, National Grid, and other partners at an active work site along Ninth Avenue in Hell's Kitchen, where the agency is redesigning the corridor from 50th to 34th streets to expand pedestrian space and widen the protected bike lane. In recognition of the week, the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building will be lit orange this evening.

"This winter's harsh conditions underscored just how essential our work crews are to keeping New York City moving," said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. "Across the five boroughs, crews are out there every day-often just feet from moving traffic-repairing and improving our streets. We're asking every driver to slow down, stay alert, and give these workers the space they need to do their jobs safely."

Work zone safety remains a serious concern nationwide. Each year, more than 900 people are killed and an estimated 42,000 are injured in work zone-related incidents across the United States. In New York City, NYC DOT recorded 16 work zone intrusions last year, resulting in six injuries. Since 2009, 63 NYC DOT workers have been injured in work zone incidents, and four have died from work zone-related events over the past two decades.

NYC DOT continues to invest in protecting its workforce through comprehensive training and enhanced safety practices. Agency crews receive work zone safety training through the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) and E-PRO Safety Solutions, alongside ongoing job site safety assessments. NYC DOT has also upgraded fleet equipment with features such as back-up cameras and retro-reflective markings to improve visibility and reduce risk.

As construction projects accelerate in the months ahead, NYC DOT is reminding all New Yorkers that safe driving in work zones saves lives. Drivers should reduce speed, avoid distractions, and follow posted signage when approaching active work areas.

"DDC's Division of Safety and Site Support plays a vital role in keeping construction sites safe for staff and people traveling near it, ensuring all work is done correctly and carefully," said NYC Department of Design and Construction Acting Commissioner Eduardo del Valle. "In 2025, the team completed 3,156 site audits and inspections across all DDC projects. Construction safety is of utmost priority at DDC, and we do our best to keep workers and the public safe, but we also need help from drivers. Drivers should remain fully aware when driving around construction sites; slow down, stay alert and follow warning signs to prevent injuries or fatalities. I thank our partners at DOT, DEP and the private utilities for their shared commitment to work zone safety."

"There is nothing more important than the safety and well-being of our workforce - our team members. For those of us at the State Department of Transportation, National Work Zone Awareness Week has a special significance," said New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. "It comes just weeks away from the one-year anniversary of the line-of-duty death of NYSDOT Highway Maintenance Supervisor Robert Bornt. Robert was a pillar of his community and deserved to go home to his family at the end of his workday. Instead, last May, he was fatally struck by a car while in a work zone. This past September in New York City, Isabel Alvarez, a contractor employee on NYSDOT's Van Wyck Expressway project, was also fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver while directing traffic. Robert and Isabel were doing their jobs in service to the safety of the traveling public. That is why NYSDOT is committed to doing everything we can to keep all of our highway, bridge and transportation workers safe and it is why we are so very grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul for her indefatigable commitment to the safety of our workforce through enhanced protections against work zone intrusions, accountability and enforcement. I implore the traveling public to take great care and pay attention when driving, especially in work zones - lives are at risk. Our crews will be out there every day - keeping you safe. Please do your part to keep them safe."

For information about work zone safety, Vision Zero and other efforts, visit nyc.gov/dot or nyc.gov/visionzero.