(FAIRFIELD, MAINE – April 16, 2026) The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT), alongside the Maine Turnpike Authority, Department of Public Safety, Maine State Police, Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, and the Associated General Contractors of Maine, held a press conference today at the John E. Dority Safety Training Center to update the public on work zone safety awareness efforts. The event featured remarks from Governor Janet Mills, who also signed LD 669 into law—legislation extending line-of-duty death benefits to MaineDOT employees working in roadway environments. The law is retroactive and will benefit the families of MaineDOT employees Jimmy Brown and Dwayne Campbell who died while working in Waterville earlier this year.
“Let’s all give road crews as much space as possible to work so they can go home safely to their families every night,” said Governor Mills. “Today, in recognition of how dangerous that work is, I am also proud to sign legislation to extend line-of-duty death benefits to Department of Transportation employees who work in our roadways. Now Maine will rightly recognize the work these public servants perform — on active roadways, with unpredictable conditions, and little room for error — and ensure that, should the unthinkable happen on the job, their families are provided for.”
The ceremony also marked the start of a multi-agency effort to inform the public about work zone safety awareness. Employees of public and private organizations that conduct work in roadway and highway rights-of-way are engaging in an outreach campaign that will include social media posts sharing individual stories about those workers. Those posts can be accessed in the Press Kit located at the bottom of this release. As part of this campaign, speakers directed attendees to take the Maine Work Zone Safety Pledge as a commitment to drive safely through work zones across Maine.
“MaineDOT crews and contractors are out there improving our roads every day,” said MaineDOT Commissioner Dale Doughty. “We need everyone to remember that these workers have families depending on them to come home safely. Slowing down, obeying signage, and staying alert is how we save lives. Everyone shares responsibility in creating a safe driving environment.”
Work zones are essential to maintaining and improving Maine’s transportation system, but they also present real risks. Speakers reinforced this year’s theme, “See Cones, Think People,” emphasizing that every decision behind the wheel directly impacts the safety of workers and fellow travelers.
Work Zone Safety Tips for Drivers
MaineDOT and its partners urge all motorists to follow these simple but critical steps when approaching work zones:
- Slow down. Obey posted speed limits and be prepared for sudden stops.
- Stay alert. Put phones away and avoid distractions.
- Follow signs and flaggers. They are there to protect everyone.
- Be patient. Expect delays and plan extra travel time.
- Remember the workers. Every work zone is someone’s workplace.