Listen: Tamie McGowen , with Caltrans Public Affairs
Caltrans honored its 189 employees who lost their lives on the job since 1921 in a solemn reminder to motorists to drive safely and pay attention in highway work zones. In consideration of the current stay-at-home orders, this commemoration replaced the annual public memorial hosted on the West Steps of the State Capitol.
A remembrance featuring 189 traffic cones, each bearing the name of a fallen worker, was displayed near the Caltrans Workers Memorial Bridge (formerly known as the Bryte Bend Bridge). Configured in the shape of a diamond, the tribute is symbolic of a highway caution sign.
Two Caltrans Honor Guard members stood solemn watch over the symbolic tribute.
