After a series of work-zone crashes, what can be done?

Talking Michigan Transportation

Talking Michigan Transportation
After a series of work-zone crashes, what can be done?
Jul 10, 2025 Season 7 Episode 229
Michigan Department of Transportation

On this week’s edition of the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, a conversation with Gregg Brunner, chief operations officer at the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), about recent deadly crashes in or near work zones. 

On June 24, a truck driver was killed and MDOT workers were injured in a crash on I-75 in Monroe County. 

In another, July 1, two people were killed in a crash in a work zone queue on I-96 west of Portland. 

Brunner composed a poignant message to department employees with a reminder of the need to be vigilant about safety. 

From his message:                

We talk often about safety, but these events are painful reminders of just how critical it is every single day, in every single task. Whether you're in a work zone, near active traffic, in one of our garages or facilities, or behind the wheel, your actions matter. Safety is a mindset, not a checklist. It's about being present, engaged and always looking out for one another. 

Brunner talked about benefits to be found in developments in technology to alert drivers and the promise of driver-assist technologies in vehicles, as outlined by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Episode Artwork After a series of work-zone crashes, what can be done? 18:52 Episode Artwork Reprise: A veteran Michigan pollster talks about perceptions of road conditions and repairs 31:19 Episode Artwork Take 2: Regulating traffic flow with stop lights at entrance ramps 27:35 Episode Artwork Why do we need a green light to enter a freeway? 29:19 Episode Artwork EVs, magnets and drones. Oh, my! 24:31 Episode Artwork Dr. Fraud: Do NOT respond to texts about unpaid tolls 24:55 Episode Artwork Reprise: Managing traffic during road construction; and what about the zipper merge? 23:46 Episode Artwork Predicting how long a road will last 21:53 Episode Artwork Will congress move quickly on a highway bill? 23:55 Episode Artwork The future of road funding 25:15 Episode Artwork Some good news for understanding wildlife-vehicle collisions 18:15 Episode Artwork Transportation funding in Michigan, some history 23:40 Episode Artwork Work progresses on the final phase of rebuilding I-696 20:32 Episode Artwork MDOT crews, other agencies respond to historic ice storm 25:15 Episode Artwork Tariffs, automated vehicles and zero-emission planes 22:39 Episode Artwork Road building 101 23:27 Episode Artwork Bill to protect Mackinac Bridge moves forward 22:25 Episode Artwork Evidence mounts that distracted driving laws make a difference 28:48 Episode Artwork The vital role of transportation in Detroit’s resurgence 31:09 Episode Artwork Highlights of Gov. Whitmer’s road-funding plan 21:24 Episode Artwork Breaking down the federal funding challenges for transportation 24:25 Episode Artwork Federal grants will benefit some vital Grand Rapids corridors 31:26 Episode Artwork Rebuilding the third segment of I-696 begins soon 23:48 Episode Artwork Meet MDOT’s director of economic development 25:44 Episode Artwork Reflections from a retiring DOT environmental policy leader 30:33