|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 16, 2026 |
(FAIRFIELD, MAINE – April 16, 2026) — The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT), alongside the Maine Turnpike Authority, Department of Public Safety, Maine State Police, Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, and the Associated General Contractors of Maine, held a press conference today at the John E. Dority Safety Training Center to update the public on work zone safety awareness efforts. The event featured remarks from Governor Janet Mills, who also signed LD 669 into law—legislation extending line‑of‑duty death benefits to MaineDOT employees working in roadway environments. The law is retroactive and will benefit the families of MaineDOT employees Jimmy Brown and Dwayne Campbell, who died while working in Waterville earlier this year.
“Let’s all give road crews as much space as possible to work so they can go home safely to their families every night,” said Governor Mills.
The ceremony also marked the start of a multi‑agency effort to inform the public about work zone safety. Employees of public and private organizations that conduct work in roadway and highway rights‑of‑way are engaging in an outreach campaign that will include social media posts sharing individual stories about these workers. These posts can be accessed in the Press Kit located at the bottom of this release. As part of the campaign, speakers encouraged attendees to take the Maine Work Zone Safety Pledge as a commitment to drive safely through work zones across Maine.
“MaineDOT crews and contractors are out there improving our roads every day,” said MaineDOT Commissioner Dale Doughty. “We need everyone to remember that these workers have families depending on them to come home safely. Slowing down, obeying signage, and staying alert is how we save lives. Everyone shares responsibility for creating a safe driving environment.”
Maine Turnpike Authority Executive Director Andre Briere provided an update on LD 1457, a bill that would allow a pilot program to use speed cameras in work zones. “LD 1457 did not advance this session. For all those working in transportation work zones, this is disappointing, but it is not the end,” said Briere. “While this commonsense measure did not pass this session, we will redouble our efforts to convince members that this is a tried‑and‑tested way to reduce work zone crashes by nearly 50 percent.”
Work zones are essential to maintaining and improving Maine’s transportation system, but they also present real risks. Speakers reinforced this year’s theme, “See Cones, Think People,” emphasizing that every decision behind the wheel directly impacts the safety of workers and fellow travelers.
Work Zone Safety Tips for Drivers
• Slow down. Obey posted speed limits and be prepared for sudden stops.
• Stay alert. Put phones away and avoid distractions.
• Follow signs. They are there to protect everyone.
• Be patient. Expect delays and plan extra travel time.
• Remember the workers. Every work zone is someone’s workplace.