State highway officials say that it is the start of the spring constructions season and as you start seeing more orange cones and barrels on area streets, roads and highways you need to stay extra alert for worker safety.

Officials from INDOT, Indiana Constructors Inc., Indiana State Police and other partners recognized National Work Zone Awareness Week with a visit to the Interstate 65 Safety and Efficiency project site on the southeast side of Indianapolis. There are more than $3.3 billion in road improvements going on during this construction season in Indiana, across more than 1,200 projects.

Matt Ubelhor, the Indiana secretary of transportation and infrastructure said that last year 30 people were killed in Indiana work zones, and more than 1,500 were injured.

Chad Scott, with Milestone Contractors, says that the company has lost employees over the years in construction zone crashes and had many close calls. He said trying to reach your destination a few minutes sooner, or trying to read a text message while driving isn’t worth anyone’s life.

Safety officials urge you to slow down, to drive without distractions and to be alert to worker safety in all work zones.