UTICA, N.Y. — Work zone safety remains a major concern as crashes and speeding continue to affect state roads.
In 2025, New York State reported 572 work zone crashes that caused 87 injuries and three deaths. Thruway crashes increased by 46% from 2024 to 2025.
Michael Pawloski, acting regional director for Region 2 of the New York Department of Transportation, said, “By obeying the speed limit, remaining alert, moving over, and putting down the phone, you are literally saving lives.”
Not everyone is slowing down. In 2023, the top speed recorded in a work zone was 139 miles per hour, and in 2024, it was 117 mph.
Pawloski said, “There have been 59 members of the New York State D.O.T. family who have died on the job across New York State. We can not allow that number to increase.”
This year’s theme is “safe actions save lives.” Automated work zone speed enforcement cameras are being used on state roads, and the governor has proposed expanding the program to more highways. Fines are $50 for the first violation, $75 for the second, and $100 for the third and any after that.
“It has shown that speeds have decreased in those work zones in which they are deployed. We’ve even seen a decrease in the notice of violations that have been issued since the time they were first put into place 3 years ago,” Pawloski said.
Drivers can use the 511ny.org app for real-time updates on traffic and construction zones. The Department of Transportation will also launch Operation Hard Hat, where state troopers use radar detection in work zones.
Pawloski said, “Our most effective tool is having actual law enforcement individuals in the work zone with us.”
The proposed state budget also includes criminal penalties for assault or harassment against highway workers.
Work zone safety remains a major concern as crashes and speeding continue to affect state roads.