MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As orange cones and construction signs begin to dot the highways and byways of Kansas this spring, officials are urging motorists to slow down and stay alert during National Work Zone Awareness Week.
Nick Gosnell, spokesperson for the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) District 5, which covers much of south-central Kansas, emphasized that work zone safety is not just about protecting construction workers — it's about saving drivers’ lives.
“In 2024, Kansas saw eight people killed and more than 500 injured in work zone crashes,” Gosnell said during a recent interview. “And around 90% of those injured were motorists, not workers.”
According to state data, Kansas averaged 4.6 work zone crashes per day in 2024, totaling more than 1,700 incidents. While about three-quarters of those were limited to property damage, Gosnell said any crash has the potential to seriously impact lives.
“It’s a rite of spring in Kansas — you change your clocks, and the orange barrels show up,” Gosnell said. “The point is to remind drivers that if they see those signs or cones, it’s time to take an extra few seconds, look ahead, and be prepared.”
Big Projects, Bigger Impacts
Among the major projects in Gosnell’s district is the “Gold Project,” which aims to overhaul the interchange of K-96, I-135 and I-235 near Wichita. Once complete, the redesign will resemble the seamless transitions found in suburban Kansas City.
“It's on schedule, though the spring rains are a double-edged sword — good for crops, not so much for construction,” Gosnell said.
Other work includes resurfacing U.S. 50 west of Hutchinson and bridge improvements near the Reno and Harvey County line.
For drivers wanting real-time updates, Gosnell recommends the KanDrive app or visiting www.kandrive.gov, which provides current road conditions and construction alerts across Kansas.
Work Zones Are Closer Than They Appear
In addition to following posted speed limits — which often come with doubled fines in work zones — Gosnell stressed the importance of giving workers space.
“They’re working just feet from you — closer than you and I sitting across a table,” he said.
Drivers may also encounter pilot cars guiding them through single-lane areas. According to Gosnell, KDOT aims to keep wait times to 15 minutes or less during such operations.
Move Over, Kansas
Gosnell also highlighted updates to Kansas’ Move Over Law, which now requires drivers to change lanes or slow down for any vehicle stopped on the roadside, not just emergency responders.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s a tow truck, law enforcement, or just a motorist changing a flat — if someone’s on the side of the road, you need to give them room,” he said.
Long Detours, Logical Reasons
Western Kansans often voice frustration about long detour routes, but Gosnell explained that those decisions are based on bridge capacity and safety standards for heavy truck traffic.
“The only bridges we can guarantee will handle that load are those on state highways,” he said. “We’re not trying to inconvenience anyone — we want everyone, including our workers, to get home safely.”
As construction season ramps up, Gosnell and other KDOT officials hope National Work Zone Awareness Week serves as a reminder that everyone plays a role in road safety.
“No text, no phone call, no shortcut is worth someone’s life,” he said.
For more information on current projects and travel conditions, visit www.kandrive.gov or download the KanDrive app.