Caltrans Workers' Memorial and Worker Safety

Since 1921, 193 Caltrans employees have been killed on the job. One of the biggest hazards faced by highway workers are inattentive and distracted motorists.

Each year, Caltrans honors its fallen employees at the statewide Workers' Memorial on the west steps of the State Capitol. Family members, co-workers, friends, and the general public are invited to attend the memorial, which took place this year on April 25, 2024. Watch the recorded webcast.

The Fallen Workers' Memorial is a time to remember those who lost their lives building, maintaining, and operating California’s world-class transportation system.

This observance also highlights safety awareness for employees in work zones, as well as the motoring public.

2024 Caltrans Statewide and District Workers' Memorial Ceremonies 

We hope that you take the time to attend one of the memorials being held throughout the state, either virtually or in person, as we honor those who lost their lives on the job. Find your District on this map.

Caltrans: Everyday Heroes. Remembered Every Day. CAltrans Workers Memorial April 25, 2024, West Steps, Capitol.

Statewide:
Thursday, April 25, 2024, 11 a.m., Sacramento State Capitol
District 1:
Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 11 a.m., Caltrans District 1 Office, 1656 Union Street, Eureka, CA 95501
District 2:
Thursday, May 9, 2024, 11 a.m., Red Bluff Maintenance Station, 4000 Hess Road, Red Bluff, CA 96080
District 3:
Thursday, April 25, 2024, 11 a.m., Sacramento State Capitol
District 4:
Tuesday, June 4, 2024, 11 a.m., Tri-Bridge Maintenance Yard, 100 Industrial Way, Benicia CA 94510
District 5:
Tuesday, April 30, 2024, 10 a.m., Caltrans District 5 Office, 50 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, CA. 93401
District 6:
Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 10:30 a.m., Visalia Maintenance Station, 15337 Avenue 296, Visalia, CA 93292
District 7:
Thursday, May 9, 2024, 10 a.m., Caltrans District 7 Special Crews Region Office, 7300 East Bandini Boulevard, Commerce, CA 90040
District 8:
Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 10 a.m., Caltrans District 8 Office, 464 W 4th Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401
District 9:
Thursday, May 2, 2024, 11 a.m., Mojave Maintenance Station, 2211 Nadeau St. Mojave, CA 93501
District 10:
Thursday, April 25, 2024, 11 a.m., Sacramento State Capitol
District 11:
Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 10 a.m., Caltrans District 11 Headquarters, 4050 Taylor Street, San Diego, CA 92110
District 12:
Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 11 a.m., Batavia Maintenance Yard, 1808 N. Batavia St, Orange, CA 92865

2024 Caltrans Fallen Workers' Memorial Scholarship

The Caltrans Fallen Workers' Memorial Scholarships are awarded to children of Fallen Caltrans Workers – as well as to those of Fallen Workers in California’s transportation industry, including contractors – to help selected students meet their post-high school educational goals.

The scholarship award must be used to attend a post-secondary school or institution. This may include any: public or private four-year accredited college or university; two-year accredited college; vocational-technical college or a training institution.

The 2024 application period is closed. The 2025 applications will open after January 2025.

For more information, visit the California Transportation Foundation.

2024 Caltrans Safety Poster Contest

Family members of Caltrans employees’ children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews 17 years of age and under can now submit highway safety art for the 2024 poster contest. This is an opportunity for the children in your family to share their thoughts and creative ideas about the importance of driving safely in or near a work zone and to be part of the educational outreach for this very important life-saving message.

The 2024 application period is closed. The 2025 applications will open after January 2025.

Past Memorials

Worker Safety

Caltrans is committed to providing safe and efficient work zones, both for the traveling public and employees working on the state highway system. The Mission, Vision, and Goals, for the Department place safety highest among its commitments.

"Every day, thousands of highway workers put their lives in danger just by going to work and serving the public... Californians can help keep our highways safe by slowing down in the ‘work zone’ and complying with the Move Over law."

Malcolm Dougherty, Former Caltrans Director

The Department's safety goal is to achieve the best safety record in the nation. Help us accomplish this goal by learning more about Worker and Work Zone safety below.

California Move Over Law

California's Move Over Law: “Slow or Move Over for Workers, It’s the Law.” When you see amber flashing lights, move over to protect highway workers.

Be Alert, Our Dad's at Work

Be Work Zone Alert: The children of Caltrans highway workers remind drivers to "stay alert, our parents are at work" and keep our workers safe.

Slow for the Cone Zone

Slow for the Cone Zone: Tips to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.