Campaign reminds drivers to slow down in construction zones

Officials are urging motorists to slow down and pay attention to the road as construction season ramps up.

City of Brandon staff and Safe Work Manitoba hosted a press conference outside city hall on Tuesday to highlight the need to keep construction workers safe.

“They’re not in your way, they’re at work. Slow down, let them work safely,” said Shawn Wood, the executive director of the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba, reading the 2026 Safe Roads campaign slogan.

Workers are people’s family, friends, colleagues and neighbours, and they deserve to get home safe every day, said Wood.

He said too many people are still speeding through construction zones, hitting workers and equipment and verbally and physically abusing the people directing them to slow down.

The vice-president of Safe Work Manitoba said there were 240 workers injured in transportation-related incidents last year. In construction alone, injuries rose by 55 per cent in a single year, from 40 to 62.

“That is simply a number we cannot ignore,” Dave Kramer said.

“It only takes a moment to slow down, pay attention and make the safer choice. That moment can mean someone gets home safely.”

Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett said construction season is important in Brandon and that people need to think twice when they’re behind the wheel,

“We’re all going to see more cones, more equipment, more people working on the roads. It also means a few delays here and there,” Fawcett said.

“As part of building a stronger city, what matters most is that everyone stays safe while the work is happening. This is a good reminder for all of us to slow down, stay focused and be patient, put the phone away, watch your speed, give workers the space they need to do their job safely.”

The city is planning major construction work at several locations this year, including building roundabouts at the intersection of 18th Street North and Braecrest Drive as well as 26th Street and Maryland Avenue. Major underground work on parts of First Street is also planned.

Brandon Police Service Chief Tyler Bates said it is critical that people understand that the people working on roads aren’t in the way. Workers also include first responders, tow truck operators, utility workers and flaggers, he said.

“They do it just feet away from moving traffic. Let that sink in for a moment,” Bates said.

For too many people, he said, the danger becomes a part of the job.

“But it should not have to be, and this campaign is all about changing those attitudes and behaviours,” he said, adding that no meeting, appointment or errand is more important than someone’s safety.

» alambert@brandonsun.com