Work Zone Mobility and Safety Program
Photo collage: temporary lane closure, road marking installation, cone with mounted warning light, and drum separated work zones.
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National Work Zone Awareness Week

Program-Level Public Information and Outreach Examples
National Work Zone Awareness Week
National Work Zone Awareness Week: A Decade of Safety Success
FHWA Public Roads article that describes how the NWZAW campaign took root, what strategies have proven effective at improving safety, and what work remains to be done.

Each year in the spring, National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is held to bring national attention to motorist and worker safety and mobility issues in work zones. Since 1999, FHWA has worked with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) to coordinate and sponsor the event. The first national event was held at a work zone in Springfield, VA, in April 2000. Over the years, other transportation partners have joined the effort to support NWZAW. In addition to a national event conducted each year, many States host their own NWZAW events.

2024 National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 15-19: Work Zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.

This year, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) is hosting the 2024 National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) kickoff event on April 16 with the theme "Work Zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.” The NWZAW kickoff event will be held on the I-70 overpass overlooking I-695 in Baltimore County.

Everyone plays a role in work zone safety. Support NWZAW and promote the weeklong commemoration activities including:

  • Work Zone Safety Training Day: April 15
  • National kickoff event: April 16
  • Go Orange Day: April 17
  • Social media storm: April 18
  • Moment of silence: April 19*

*The moment of silence started in 2022 to remember the people whose lives were lost in a work zone incident.

NWZAW Resources:

2023 National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 17-21: You play a role in work zone safety. Work with us.

2022 National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 11-15 - Work Zones are a Sign to Slow Down.

2021 National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 26-30 - Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives.

2020 National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 20-24 – "Safe Work Zones for All: Protect workers. Protect road users."

2019 National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 8-12 – "Drive Like You Work Here"

2018 National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 9-13 – "Work Zone Safety: Everybody's Responsibility"

2017 National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 3-7 – "Work Zone Safety is in Your Hands"

2016 National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 11-15 – "Don't Be That Driver"

2015 National Work Zone Awareness Week, March 23-27 – "Expect the Unexpected"

15th National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 7-11, 2014 – "Work Zone Speeding: A Costly Mistake"

14th National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 15-19, 2013 – "Work Zone Safety: We're All In This Together"

13th National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 23-27, 2012 – "Don't Barrel Through Work Zones! Drive Smart to Arrive Alive"

12th National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 4-8, 2011 – "Safer Driving. Safer work zones. For everyone."

11th National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 19-23, 2010 – "Work Zones Need Your Undivided Attention"

10th National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 6-10, 2009 – "Drive to Survive - Our Future is Riding On It!"

9th National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 7-11, 2008 – "Slow for the Cone Zone"

8th National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 2-6, 2007 – "Signs of Change"

7th National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 3-9, 2006 – "Working at the Speed of Night"

6th National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 3-9, 2005 – "Slow Down or Pay Up"