Moment of silence observed for fallen transportation workers
PR#25-011
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Oklahoma Turnpike Authority hosted a moment of silence Friday morning in remembrance of those who have lost their lives while working to improve Oklahoma’s transportation infrastructure. The ceremony brought together those who recognize the lives lost and the impact the individuals had on the community. Tim Gatz, ODOT executive director and Joe Echelle, OTA executive director delivered comments highlighting the courage and dedication of the workers who have made the ultimate sacrifice to help ensure the safety and well-being of all Oklahomans.
The solemn event took place at ODOT central office and included a special reading of the names of the 73 workers who tragically lost their lives while on the job, a poignant reminder of the importance of safety in construction zones across the state.
Gatz emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of safety within the industry. “Each life lost is a tragedy that affects families, friends and colleagues. We will continue to advocate for safety measures that protect the lives of those who work tirelessly on our roads. These men and women are dedicated to ensuring that our roads are safer for everyone. We urge all drivers to slow down and be alert as they approach work zones this summer, and every day," said Gatz.
Echelle expressed his deep gratitude for the service and commitment of these fallen workers, noting, “Every day, the men and women who work on our highways and roads put their lives at risk to ensure our communities are connected. Today, we honor the memory of those we have lost and continue our commitment to making Oklahoma’s roads safer for everyone.”
The ceremony was held in preparation for National Work Zone Awareness Week being observed April 21-25, which aims to raise awareness of the risks faced by workers in highway construction zones and to remind drivers to use caution and attentiveness.
The tragic passing of these 73 individuals is a stark reminder of the dangers that workers face every day while performing essential tasks to maintain and improve the state’s transportation network.
As Oklahoma enters the busy summer season, more than 100 highway work zones, in addition to numerous temporary maintenance zones, will be operational across the state. Crews will be working in high-traffic areas, sometimes under challenging weather conditions, putting their lives on the line to maintain and upgrade Oklahoma's highway system.
The moment of silence served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing commitment and sacrifices made by ODOT and OTA employees, and the ceremony concluded with a call to action for greater awareness of Oklahoma’s work zones.
Footage of the ceremony is available on ODOT’s Event Channel. Learn how you can do your part to Make Oklahoma Safe at drivesafelyoklahoma.com/.
