(JUNEAU, Alaska) –The ground may be covered in snow across most of the state, but the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) is looking ahead to the fast-approaching construction season. The department joins other DOTs around the nation to celebrate the 14th annual National Work Zone Awareness Week April 15-19, 2013.

Alaska averages nearly 80 highway work zone crashes each year. ADOT&PF reminds drivers to stay alert and be cautious when driving through work zones by minimizing distractions, following signs and flaggers, and reducing speeds. Drivers should check www.AlaskaNavigator.org when planning travel on Alaska highways. The department posts weekly construction updates and how they will affect the traveling public on this site.

The Alaska 511 system is also available for drivers, either online at 511.alaska.gov, by dialing 511, following @alaska511 on Twitter or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Alaska511. The system provides statewide road condition information, including road closures, alerts to emergency incidences, weather conditions affecting travelers and AMBER Alerts.

This year’s theme is “Work Zone Safety: We’re All In This Together,” and recognizes that safe work zones are a collaboration between everyone in the area, including construction workers, drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, DOTs and more.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 255 airports, 11 ferries serving 35 communities, 5,619 miles of highway and 720 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Get Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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