Raleigh, N.C. — This week, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) spotlighted work zone safety through two major initiatives—hosting the national kickoff of National Work Zone Awareness Week and expanding the HAWKS Program, a law enforcement initiative to protect workers and drivers in construction zones.

National Work Zone Awareness Week Kicks Off in Raleigh

NCDOT hosted this year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week kickoff on Tuesday at the Kerr Scott Building at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. The event brought together state and federal transportation officials with a common goal: promoting safety in road work zones.

“This is about making sure everyone—drivers and workers—gets home safely,” said NCDOT Secretary of Transportation Joey Hopkins. “If there’s one message that should resonate with everybody today, it’s this: we are all responsible when it comes to work zone safety.”

One of the speakers, BJ Drewery, a roadway inspector with NCDOT, shared a personal appeal for greater driver caution. “As a husband, a father, and a friend, I encourage you to navigate through the work zone safely,” Drewery said. “Keep me, my coworkers, and other drivers safe.”

This year’s theme, “Respect the Zone So We All Go Home,” served as a reminder that everyone plays a part in making work zones safer.

HAWKS Program Boosts Law Enforcement Presence in Work Zones

In tandem with awareness efforts, NCDOT is also ramping up enforcement through its HAWKS Program—short for Helping All Workzones Keep Safe. In collaboration with the North Carolina Highway Patrol, this initiative uses off-duty law enforcement officers to patrol active work zones across the state.

With $2 million in funding, the program covers about 300 patrol shifts per month. Officers are strategically placed in work zones identified by crash history, speed trends, and traffic volume.

In 2024 alone, the HAWKS program monitored 56 projects and resulted in approximately 31,000 citations, reinforcing safe driving behavior and reducing the risk of crashes.

“The visual presence of law enforcement not only improves driver behavior but also boosts the safety of the men and women maintaining our roads,” said NCDOT officials.

For more updates and safety tips, watch NCDOT Now, the department’s weekly newscast, or visit NCDOT.gov.