Governor Bredesen Declares April 7-11 Work Zone Awareness Week
TDOT Reminds Motorists about Major Knoxville Interstate Closure

Nashville, Tenn— Governor Phil Bredesen today proclaimed the week of April 7 – 11, 2008 as Work Zone Awareness Week joining states across the nation to remind motorists to be safe in work zones.  TDOT will also use the week to remind motorists about the May 1 closure of Interstate 40 through downtown Knoxville.

"A highway work zone can be just as dangerous for motorists as for workers,” said Governor Bredesen.  “As we head into the construction season, I hope this proclamation of Work Zone Awareness Week in Tennessee will bring greater attention to the importance of work zone safety.”

The Tennessee Department of Safety reports that in 2006 there were 4,609 traffic crashes in work zones in Tennessee, 27 of which were fatal. 

“Far too many people are losing their lives in work zone crashes,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “Nearly 75% of TDOT’s road work is done at night, which makes it imperative that motorists slow down and pay attention in work zones and if you’re tired stop somewhere and rest.  Last year alone we lost at least two road workers in crashes where the driver fell asleep at the wheel.”

TDOT will conduct a number of events throughout the week in recognition of Work Zone Awareness Week:

• April 7 – 1:00 p.m. Eastern – Knoxville – TDOT will kick-off Work Zone Awareness Week with an event at the SmartFIX40 construction site to highlight their partnerships with first responders, including the Knoxville Police Department and Tennessee Highway Patrol, to keep motorists safe and traffic flowing during the 14 month closure of I-40 between Hall of Fame Drive and James White Parkway. 

• April 8 – 8:15 and 10:00 a.m. Central – Greenbrier High School – TDOT will present their “Between The Barrels” teen driver education program to students at Greenbrier High School.  Students will hear a special presentation from Mrs. Alicia Larkins, whose husband Trooper Todd Larkins was killed in the line of duty, about the Move Over Law.

• April 8 – 3:30 p.m. Central – Nashville – TDOT will provide a presentation to a joint session of the House and Senate Transportation Committees about the upcoming SmartFIX40 closure in Knoxville.

• April 11 – 8:30 a.m. Central – Smith County High School – TDOT will present their “Between The Barrels” teen driver education program to students at Smith County High School. 

• April 7 – 11 – The State Capitol will be lighted in orange at night in honor of Work Zone Awareness Week.

Click here to view the proclamation recognizing April 7 through 11 as Work Zone Awareness Week.

Event times and locations are listed below:

Work Zone Awareness Week Event Times and Locations:

April 7

Work Zone Awareness Week Kick-Off Event
SmartFIX40 Work Site