City of Tulsa Recognizes Work Zone Awareness Week, Urging Drivers to Slow Down and Stay Alert

City of Tulsa Recognizes Work Zone Awareness Week, Urging Drivers to Slow Down and Stay Alert

4/21/2026

The City of Tulsa is joining the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) in recognizing Work Zone Awareness Week, April 20-24, and reminding drivers to use extra caution in construction zones to help keep everyone safe.

This year's Work Zone Awareness theme, "Safe Actions Save Lives," highlights the importance of driver awareness. Within Tulsa City limits there are more than 200 active construction zones of varying sizes during peak construction season. As a result, drivers should be prepared for lane shifts, reduced speeds, and changing traffic patterns, both in their neighborhoods and on the highways.

"Every cone, sign, and barrier you see represents people working to make Tulsa's roads safer and better," Terry Ball, the City's Public Works Director. "Work Zone Awareness week is a reminder that the choices we make behind the wheel, slowing down, staying alert, and putting away distractions, those actions can save lives."

According to transportation officials, most work zone crashes are preventable and often caused by distracted driving, speeding, or following too closely. Nationally, four out of five people killed in work zones are drivers or passengers. Safe driving behaviors protect everyone on the road.

Drivers are urged to follow these key safety tips in work zones:

• Eliminate distractions, including mobile devices
• Slow down and follow posted speed limits
• Stay alert and watch for workers and equipment
• Maintain a safe following distance
• Avoid changing lanes in work zones
• Follow traffic flow and posted signage
• Plan ahead for delays and allow extra travel time

As part of the week's observance, ODOT and OTA are also encouraging the public to wear orange on Wednesday, April 22 to show support for roadway workers and raise awareness about work zone safety.

Work zones are a necessary part of maintaining and improving Tulsa's infrastructure. The City of Tulsa asks all drivers to do their part by staying focused, patient, and cautious when traveling through these areas. For more information on National Work Zone Awareness week, visit https://www.nwzaw.org/