Local Caltrans district remembers fallen workers with memorial event in Ukiah

UKIAH, CA., 5/21/26 — For the first time since 2018, the annual Caltrans Workers Memorial was held in Ukiah on Wednesday to honor fallen highway workers and remind the public of the importance of safety awareness when it comes to driving in work zones. 

According to Caltrans, 195 employees have died while working on state highways in California since 1921, 17 of which have happened in District 1, which services Mendocino, Lake, Humboldt and Del Norte counties.  

A Caltrans District 1 spokesperson said that at 11 a.m. Wednesday, staff from Caltrans District 1 and Mendocino County officials gathered at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds for the memorial ceremony. A moment of silence was held, followed by “Amazing Grace” played on bagpipes by Cal Fire Capt. Matt McElhinny, Caltrans said.

Caltrans staff paid tribute to fallen local workers by placing 17 cones to represent each worker who has passed away in District 1 while the maintenance manager for the district, Paul Johnson, read each name out loud, according to the state agency. 

Caltrans District 1 deputy director Tom Fitzgerald said in a statement that the event “serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safety on state highways as we continue our commitment to achieving zero fatalities and serious injuries by the year 2050.” 

Caltrans advises drivers to help prevent further loss and serious injuries by slowing down, staying attentive, avoiding distractions and giving workers space by moving over when they see amber flashing lights.