Last year was unusually deadly for road workers.
Colorado State Patrol reports 31 people were killed in 23 work zone crashes, nearly double the rate (up 94%) from 2023.
“We all are at risk when we don’t stay alert and give space in work zones,” state patrol sends in a release. “Slow down and move over.”
Among those killed last year were two CDOT employees in Mesa County, 23-year-old Nathan Jones and 43-year-old Trenton Umberger, leading to nearly a dozen criminal charges for the suspect, Patrick James Sneddon.
This spike in fatalities follows two major projects on the I-70 mountain corridor alone, at Vail Pass and Floyd Hill, where dozens of workers are on the road daily.
State patrol and CDOT officials are hosting a press conference at noon today for a prelude to National Work Zone Awareness Week, from April 21 to April 25.
Along with safety tips, state patrol will show video and still frames from I-70 traffic cameras at Floyd Hill, where speed and dangerous passing have led to several close calls in recent months.
“These images will demonstrate the ongoing dangers and problem driving behaviors in these designated low-speed zones,” state patrol writes.