MnDOT Pauses Road Work to Honor Two Contractors Killed in Separate Construction Accidents

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA — The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) briefly paused construction projects statewide Monday to honor two contractors who were killed in separate accidents last week.

‘Safety Stand Down’ Across Projects

MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger called the 15–20 minute pause a “safety stand down,” giving supervisors time to review safety protocols with workers.

“Today, MnDOT staff took an unprecedented step to pause work and honor the lives of these two men and to recommit and focus on the safety of every person who works for and with our agency,” Daubenberger said.

Victims Identified

The incidents happened on back-to-back days:

• Pierre Mack, 29, of St. Paul, was killed Wednesday when struck by a vehicle equipped with a boom attachment along I-35W in Burnsville.
• Adam Smith, 25, of Seymour, Wisconsin, died Thursday after being hit by a dump truck on Highway 610 in Maple Grove.

Both deaths occurred inside closed work zones and were not caused by passing traffic, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

Union Leaders Call for Vigilance

The tragedies have renewed calls for stronger safety culture in the industry.
Tim Worke, CEO of Associated General Contractors, noted that incidents like these “often follow familiar patterns.”
Dan McConnell, president of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council, honored both men:

“Every worker deserves to come home safely at the end of the day. We honor the memory of Pierre Mack, a member of LIUNA Local 563, and Adam Smith, a member of IUOE 139, by strengthening our shared commitment to safety.”

Work Zone Safety for Drivers

While both deaths happened inside closed sites, MnDOT and the State Patrol urged drivers to remain alert when passing through work zones:

• Slow down and obey posted limits
• Avoid distractions like phones and food
• Stay aware of traffic shifts and uneven surfaces
• Give crews space to work safely

“Work zones are places where Minnesotans are on the job, not just cones and signs on the road,” said State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic.

The message comes as Minnesota enters the final weeks of road construction season, when traffic volume and project work remain high.

Do you believe enough is being done to protect road workers from deadly accidents? Share your thoughts in the comments on FatCityFeed.com.