National Work Zone Awareness Week rolled around once again, from April 21-25, reminding everyone about the importance of safe driving in and around construction work zones. On April 24th, a Safety Stand Down event took place, driving home the need to keep both workers and drivers safe in these areas.
The event brought together an impressive group, including representatives from Ferrovial, NTE Mobility Partners, North Tarrant Infrastructure (NTI) represented by Ferrovial Construction and Webber, the Texas Department of Transportation, local law enforcement, and various subcontractors. The main takeaway? Motorists need to slow down and stay alert in work zones—simple actions that can save lives.
Ignacio Milans, CEO of NTI, delivered a heartfelt message to his team: “Safety starts with all of us. Looking out for each other is more than just a rule, it’s the right thing to do. Every person plays a part in making sure we all make it home safely.”
Leading the event were Kyle Freeman, National Senior Safety Manager for Ferrovial Construction, and Allen Garcia, NTI Safety Coordinator. To make sure the safety messages resonated with everyone, the meeting was held in both English and Spanish. Speakers from NTI, NTE Mobility Partners, Ferrovial, and Ferrovial Construction shared insights being cautious in and around work zones.
This year’s theme, “Respect the zone so we all get home,” encouraged drivers to make responsible choices behind the wheel.
A big thank-you goes out to NTE Mobility Partners for their ongoing commitment to safety. Their operations and maintenance team work tirelessly to assist stranded motorists and keep traffic moving, all while helping to reduce fatalities on Texas highways.
“There are 3 things motorists can do to keep our work zones safer. Stay focused, stay focused, stay focused” said Jose Espinosa, CEO of NTE Mobility Partners. He stated there are five things he asks his teams to remember: 1. take care of yourself; 2. take care of your co-worker. Buddy system. Work as a team; 3. plan accordingly; 4. be aware of your surroundings; 5. if you don’t feel safe, STOP work!
Ben Juarez, Ferrovial Director of Health, Safety & Wellbeing, shared some valuable advice on preventing serious injuries and fatalities. He outlined a layered defense strategy: 1. planning and preparation; 2. control and verification; 3. culture, competency, and awareness. “It all starts with planning and preparation,” he said. “We want to have a plan and execute the plan. Our aim is to eliminate improvisation of the work.”
This week was a powerful reminder that safety isn’t just a concept, it’s a shared responsibility. While work zone awareness is only one week, it’s the decisions we make every day that can save lives. By working together, we can continue to uphold Ferrovial’s Always Safe, Always Ready culture and create a safer environment for everyone.
