Two names added to marble memorial, honored at CDOT Headquarters for Remembrance Day, April 22

News Release

April 22, 2025 - Statewide - Event is part of annual Work Zone Safety Awareness Week, April 21 to 25

Denver – The Colorado Department of Transportation held its annual observance of Remembrance Day today, honoring the 64 employees who have died in the line of duty since 1929, including the names of Trenton C. Umberger and Nathan “Nate” Jones who died on the job last year.

Joining CDOT were representatives from the Colorado State Patrol, Federal Highway Administration and Colorado Contractors Association.

“As we unveil the etchings on CDOT’s memorial stone, wishing that we did not have to add any more names, let alone two, we must redouble our commitment to remembering our two coworkers and working together to do everything we can to make the roads safer for the hard working highway maintainers who, each day, take risks to keep the roads safe for the traveling public,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew.

On Sept. 4, 2024, CDOT workers Trenton C. Umberger and Nathan “Nate” Jones, members of CDOT Patrol 1 based in Grand Junction, were killed when they were hit by a car while working outside of their vehicle which was parked outside of the fogline. Their CDOT vehicle was also hit by the car and one of the occupants of the other car was also later declared deceased.

Remembrance Day is held in conjunction with National Work Zone Awareness Week. This year’s theme: "Respect the Zone, so we can all get home.”

"We can do better, Colorado. For Nathan Jones and Trent Umberger and for every person whose office is on or near a roadway, it is our responsibility to respect and care about the risks they face to support our daily travel," said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "Respecting work zones saves lives."

In 2024, there were 23 crashes, resulting in 31 fatalities in Colorado construction and maintenance work zones.

“Private contractors work side by side on the highways with our partners at CDOT to help maintain and improve Colorado’s roads. These individuals get up each day and go to work to provide for their families and improve the quality of life for all Coloradans,” said CCA President and CEO Tony Milo. “By slowing down and paying attention in work zones, motorists can help ensure that these hard-working Coloradans get to go home to their loved ones at the end of their shift.”

Nationally, work zone crashes decreased by 10% and fatalities from those crashes decreased 8% from 2021 to 2022 (most recent data available). Rear-end crashes, crashes with commercial vehicles and those involving drivers going over the speed limit both increased slightly from 2021 to 2022.

While highway workers are at great risk every day, it is just as critical for motorists to be safe and responsible in work zones. In fact, four out of five work zone fatalities are people driving through work zones, not highway workers.

“Our Maintenance crews work every day to keep Colorado safely moving. It is dangerous but vital work. On Remembrance Day we honor those who didn't make it home so others could," said CDOT Director of Maintenance and Operations Shawn Smith. "We continue to improve procedures to try to keep everyone safe, but we also need the travelling public to slow down and pay attention in work zones as that final piece of the safety puzzle.”

CDOT averages between 175 and 200 projects on its roadways each year, not including maintenance projects. When driving through a work zone, fines for most infractions are doubled.

CDOT Memorial Rock located outside of the Colorado Department of Transportation
The memorial rock outside of the Colorado Department of Transportation now has 64 names on it to remember all the CDOT employees who have been killed on the job.

The two newest names on the rock have been added. Trenton C. Umberger and Nathan "Nate" Jones were killed on the job last year.
The two newest names on the rock have been added. Trenton C. Umberger and Nathan "Nate" Jones were killed on the job last year.


Traveler information

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!