MEDIA ADVISORY: Work Zone Awareness Week 2026

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT - As the busy road work season gets underway across Missouri, the Missouri Department of Transportation kicks off the 2026 Work Zone Awareness Week (April 20-24) with events planned in both Joplin and Springfield on Monday, April 20.

This year MoDOT will be joined by partners to help kick off this important week, sharing stories of working alongside the traveling public, and the close calls they've experienced. Speakers will include representatives of MoDOT and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Joplin Kick-Off Event:

• When: 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 20
• Where: MoDOT Joplin Regional Office, 2915 South Doughboy Drive, Joplin, 64804

Springfield Kick-Off Event:

• When: 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 20
• Where: MoDOT District Office, 3025 east Kearney Street, Springfield 65803

In 2025, 24 people were killed in Missouri work zone crashes. Distracted driving contributed to at least twelve of those fatalities as well as more than 437 work zone crashes overall. Distracted driving and driving too fast for the conditions remain among the top contributors to work zone crashes.

Media partners will have an opportunity to take photos/video of work zone vehicles and signage before and after the media event. All speakers will also be available for individual interviews regarding work zone safety directly following the scheduled media event.

For more information, call MoDOT in Springfield at 417-895-7600 or visit www.modot.org/southwest

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