WisDOT, Waukesha County and industry partners urge safe driving in work zones

​​Release date: June 26, 2025

Hundreds of construction projects are underway across the state to improve safety and mobility, including the WIS 83 reconstruction project in Waukesha County. Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Assistant Deputy Secretary Joel Nilsestuen today joined Waukesha County Department of Public Works (DPW) and industry partners at a news conference in Waukesha to emphasize the message of safe, responsible driving – especially in work zones.

“Safety is our top priority on Wisconsin roads, and highway crews work day and night to improve the roads and bridges we rely on,” WisDOT Assistant Deputy Secretary Joel Nilsestuen said. “Unfortunately, two construction workers never made it home last year, and that will be with us forever. We travel through their workplace and they count on us to drive safe and attentive. Please watch the road ahead, slow down and be distraction free at all times. We must respect the zone, so we can all get home.”

According to WisDOT data, more than 2,150 crashes were recorded in Wisconsin work zones in 2024, resulting in 10 deaths (including two construction workers) and more than 750 injuries. Priciliano “Nano” Alvarez was one of the construction workers hit and killed in a work zone, exactly one year ago, just a few miles from today’s event in Waukesha County.

“People drive through road construction work zones on a daily basis,” said Arrow Crete Vice President Ann Neshek. “It is everyone’s responsibility to make sure those work zones remain safe for all the people working on the sites. We all want to go home to our families at the end of the night.”​

Speeding, tailgating and distracted driving are the leading causes of work zone crashes in Wisconsin. State law prohibits texting while driving on any road. It is also illegal to use a hand-held mobile device in work zones and in areas surrounding emergency response vehicles with flashing lights. Motorists are urged to buckle up and put their phone down when driving.

Today’s event held at the Waukesha County Highway Operations facility in Waukesha ​continues WisDOT’s season-long campaign to increase work zone safety messaging across the state. WisDOT engages with county highway partners, Wisconsin Counties Association, Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association and others to promote safe driving in work zones.

​How can people help improve work zone safety?​

• Drive safely. Be courteous, avoid distractions and follow posted speed limits.
• Park the phone when driving. Texting while driving is illegal statewide and talking on a hand-held mobile device is illegal in work zones.
• Give space to emergency responders. Move over or slow down for emergency vehicles stopped along a highway with their warning lights flashing. That includes police and fire vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles. In addition, state law restricts use of a cell phone in areas surrounding those vehicles.
• Buckle Up, Phone Down. Take the pledge at wisconsindot.gov/BUPD.