By TOM BLAIR, MoDOT St. Louis District Engineer

It’s springtime, and that means work zones for those in the construction industry.

Speeding vehicles and distracted or impaired drivers pose a bigger risk to workers and motorists than ever before. Last year, 35 people were killed in work zone crashes in Missouri. Between 2019 and 2023, 114 people were killed in work zone crashes in Missouri and 5,017 were injured.

MoDOT employees, their families, industry partners and the public will run, jog and walk to honor individuals who have lost their lives in work zones and to keep others safe.

The 11^th Work Zone Awareness 5K Walk/Run is Sat., April 20 to bring attention to the increasing number of workers who will be on the roadways this spring. The event will promote safety and memorialize workers and others who have lost their lives in work zones and in the line of duty. The event will wrap up National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 15-19.

April is considered the start of construction season across most of the country. It is a busy time of the year with construction and maintenance crews out on the roadways. We do our best to mark our work zones and to be visible. We include the run as part of our efforts to educate the public about work zone safety, and we need motorists to help us. If we all work together, everyone can go home safely.

This family-friendly walk/run event is open to the public. Adult and youth participants may choose the 5K or 1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk. The registration fee is $20. Participants may register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/MO/Chesterfield/WorkzoneAwareness5K.

Races begin Sat., April 20 at 8 a.m. at the Transportation Management Center located at 14301 South Outer Forty in Chesterfield, Mo.