APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) - Work zones are a familiar sight on Wisconsin roads, but the orange cones are serving a greater purpose for those working.

More than 2,100 crashes were recorded in Wisconsin work zones in 2024, and Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) officials say that even one is too many.

“Behind the statistics are real people, our friends, family, our neighbors. Doing the essential work of maintaining and improving the roads we all rely on,” WisDOT Northeast Region Director Tom Buchholz said.

“In the 17 years I have witnessed several accidents, some coworkers, some distant relatives,” paving forman Robert Ritter said.

Ritter has a wife and children, and he says his goal is to make it home to his family safely every night.

“Not having a dad to come home to after sc

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