Fallen MnDOT workers honored for National Worker Memorial Day

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MnDOT District 6 honored the six fallen workers who have passed away on the job. Photo Courtesy: MnDOT

(KMSP) - The Minnesota Department of Transportation is remembering the fallen workers who have died or been injured while working on Minnesota highways in honor of National Worker Memorial Day.

Since 1960, 34 MnDOT workers and 15 contractors have died on the job.

Transportation officials are reminding drivers to stay alert in construction areas and drive with caution.

“With more than 200 construction work zones underway this year, we have hundreds of men and women on the road working to improve our roads and bridges and make them safer for everybody,” said Commissioner Charlie Zelle. “We all need to do our part so all of our workers return safely to their families at the end of the day.”

MnDOT districts throughout the state have held a variety of memorials for the fallen this week. MnDOT District 6, which covers the southeast region of the state, put six reflective vests on empty chairs - one for each worker that has passed away in their district.

In observance of the day, the I-35W bridge will be lit orange and the Lowry bridge will be lit red, white, and blue.

Governor Mark Dayton also proclaimed April 28, 2017 as Worker Memorial Day in Minnesota.