Fallen Worker Memorial for Highway Safety
WVDOH Fallen Worker Memorial: Honoring Our Own
The West Virginia Division of Highways Fallen Worker Memorial is a sacred space dedicated to the men and women who lost their lives while serving the citizens of West Virginia. Located at the Williamstown I-77 Welcome Center, the memorial provides a place for family, friends, and colleagues to reflect on their loss while serving as a poignant reminder to the traveling public of the critical importance of work zone safety.
Memorial Resources
Learn more about the history, the individuals honored, and the creative process behind this tribute through the following resources:
- How it Started: The origins and vision of the memorial project.
- Honorees: A complete list of those recognized at the site.
- Design Submissions: Exploring the architectural and artistic concepts.
- Video Coverage: Multimedia features on the memorial dedication.
Expanding Safety Awareness: Miniature Memorial Statues
As part of a continued commitment to motorist awareness, the memorial committee has installed miniature sculptures at various Welcome Center locations throughout the state. These highly detailed pieces are designed to bring the message of safety to every corner of West Virginia.
| Feature | Craftsmanship Details |
|---|---|
| Sculpture Base | Handcrafted from native West Virginia woods (Cherry, Ash, Oak, and Walnut) featuring dovetail joints. |
| Display | Miniature statues protected by custom surrounding glass. |
| Purpose | To raise work zone safety awareness for all motorists entering the state. |
Recent Memorial Additions
The WVDOH recently approved the addition of two historically significant names to the Williamstown Memorial to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten:
- Richard Johnson: Killed in February 1947 while operating a snowplow for the State Road Commission.
- Jack A. Williams: Lost his life in the early 1980s in a hit-and-run accident while flagging a bridge work zone on WV Route 3. The bridge was dedicated in his honor twelve years later.
Ceremony Archive
Ceremony at the Capitol Complex – April 17, 2023
A formal ceremony was held at the West Virginia State Capitol to observe National Work Zone Awareness Week and pay tribute to our fallen colleagues. You can find more details regarding the memorial and its mission in the official brochure.
Safety First: Please check out the memorial brochure (PDF)for more information on how you can help protect our workers.
