PennDot Sets Up Traveling Memorial

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - In 2012, more than 1600 work zone crashes occurred across the state.

Twenty-one people were killed, including three highway workers.

In light of the statistics, PennDOT is reminding drivers to be safe.

A traveling memorial has been set up at the PennDOT Allegheny County Maintenance Office on Fox Chapel Road in O'Hara Township. It includes 84 posts, topped with hard hats and draped with safety vests. They stand for all of the PennDOT employees who have been killed in the line of duty since 1970.

"It is very humbling at first and sobering quite honestly," said Dan Cessna, PennDOT District 11 Executive.

The memorial moves from city to city in Pennsylvania. Its purpose is to send a strong message to drivers passing by.

"By simply paying attention, driving safely through work zones, you will make sure you get home safely to your family and these folks who work for the department will get home to their families as well," said Robert Latham, Associated Pennsylvania Constructors.

The memorial will be in the Pittsburgh area for two weeks, before moving on to another city.

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