The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
Work Zone Safety Task Force (WZSTF)
Work Zone Safety Task Force (WZSTF)
As a partnership between MDOT and the heavy construction industry in Michigan, the Work Zone Safety Task Force will work together to advance the effort of looking at ways to go above and beyond the current mode of operations to make work zone safety an even greater aspect of our culture.
Goal: Putting SAFETY FIRST in Michigan's work zones!
The Work Zone Safety Task Force is responsible for:
- Setting direction and enabling implementation of work zone safety recommendations.
- Ensuring the timely closure of work zone safety issues.
- Being the catalyst for changing work zone safety culture.
- Helping to remove barriers to implementation and providing suggestions for other options.
- The task force is co-chaired by Tony Kratofil from MDOT and Mike Malloure from C.A. Hull.
It has seven action teams with over 90 team members. Each action team is led by one MDOT and one industry representative with equal representation from contractors and MDOT. Additional members on the teams may include other state agencies, consulting engineers, designers, and other industry partners.
Positive Project Safety Collaboration Award
The Positive Project Safety Collaboration Award is an award aimed at recognizing and celebrating the uniting of all parties on a Michigan highway construction project to achieve a positive safety culture. Any MDOT-let projects are eligible.
Nominees are evaluated on collaboration, implementation of new ideas and techniques for work zone safety, responsiveness to change in the work zone to promote safety, effective communication, and a demonstration of a positive project safety culture.
The task force considered 11 nominees for the 2021 construction season and awards were given in three categories - small, medium, and large.
2021 Award Winners
Small Project Award
$3.3 million full-depth concrete pavement repair project on I-96 in Kent and Ionia counties.
Contractor: C&D Hughes, Inc.
MDOT Engineer: Tanya Pawlukiewicz
Medium Project Award
$10.4 million I-675 repair project in Saginaw.
Contractor: C. A. Hull
MDOT Engineer: Brian Ulman
Large Project Award
$257 million I-275 rebuilding project in Wayne and Monroe counties.
Contractor: Dan's Excavating, Inc.
MDOT Engineer: Jeff Horne
Work Zone Safety Task Force Action Teams
Team 1
Task: To influence driver compliance by consistently enforcing work zone safety laws.
Team Leads: Kim Webb, Rob Coppersmith
Team 2
Task: To establish a strong balance between maintenance of work zone safety and motorist mobility.
Team Leads: Steve Brink, Aden Shea
Team 3
Task: To maintain flexibility throughout project lifecycles to incorporate work zone safety.
Team Leads: Craig Heidelberg, Ryan O'Donnell
Team 4
Task: To educate stakeholders at all levels regarding work zone safety.
Team Leads: Chris Brooks, Deven Rau, Brian Morley, Josh Osika, Daryl Gallant
Team 5
Task: To promote work zone safety through consistent marketing and targeted messaging.
Team Leads: Lindsey Renner, Mike DeFinis
Team 6
Task: To develop a strong, positive and consistent statewide work zone safety culture.
Team Leads: Mike Malloure, Tom Fox
Team 7
Task: To facilitate the use of new technology to improve work zone safety.
Team Leads: Craig Innis, Marc VanTil