Family, friends and co-workers from around the country joined state and local officials Friday to remember a fallen transportation construction worker who was killed by a drunk driver in June 2007. The State Transportation Commission renamed the I-405 bridge over Northeast 116th Street in Kirkland last year, and during Friday’s ceremony they dedicated the bridge in memory of Kollin Nielson.
The dedication serves as a somber reminder of how dangerous working in a construction zone can be.
A husband and father, Nielson was killed while working on the Interstate 405 Kirkland widening project. Nielson, described by co-workers as a kind-hearted and loving friend, was only 30 years old and an employee of Renton-based Kiewit Construction Company.
“Kollin was always willing to do what it took to get the job done: starting early, staying late, and jumping in when his effort would make a difference, with good humor and an eye on completion of the project,” said Shane Peterson, Kiewit Construction Company.
Sen. Rodney Tom of Kirkland’s 48th District originally proposed the resolution to rename the bridge.
“This won’t bring Kollin back to his family but it will remind us and future generations just how deadly drunk driving can be,” said Tom. “This also illustrates why it’s so important that we slow down when driving through construction zones.”
The dedication event featured the Kirkland Police Department Color Guard and the Washington State Patrol’s Mobile Impaired Driving Unit.
Work Zone Safety
WSDOT takes work zone safety very seriously. Between 2004 and 2009, nearly 6,000 people were injured in WSDOT work zones. Many work zone injuries are caused by impaired or distracted drivers, and most injuries happen to drivers.
“We want drivers to slow down and pay attention when driving through work zones,” said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary. “The men and women who work on our state and local roadways are working in and near traffic, and we want everyone to return home safely to their families at the end of the work day.”
WSDOT reminds all drivers that April 19-23 is work zone safety week, a time to slow down and pay attention to those orange cones around you. To raise awareness for work zone safety, we’re asking everyone to participate in the Go Orange for Work Zone Safety campaign, which is already underway. For more information, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/safety/brake.
