MSEA Demands Investigation After Fatal MDOT Work Zone Crash

Call for Transparency Following Tragic Roadside Incident in Michigan

In the wake of a tragic incident near Lansing, Michigan, where two workers from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) lost their lives in a work zone crash, the Michigan State Employees Association (MSEA) is urging a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The MSEA, an affiliate of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), is advocating for a comprehensive review that covers the driver's actions and the adherence to safety protocols by MDOT. President Jacob VanSickle emphasized the management's duty, stating, "MDOT management has a responsibility to make sure workers are not sent into dangerous conditions without the proper equipment, signage, staffing and traffic control procedures." He further noted that the focus should not only be on unsafe driving but on ensuring the entire safety system is scrutinized.

The deceased, Bruce Wagner and Steve Spenle, were dedicated public service workers known for their contributions to maintaining Michigan's infrastructure. Their untimely deaths have deeply affected their families, colleagues, and the broader community.

VanSickle remarked, "No one should go to work and not come home," highlighting the critical need for truth and accountability to honor Wagner and Spenle's service and to protect other road workers.

The MSEA's call includes a demand for a detailed evaluation of the work zone's safety conditions. This review should verify if the workers had access to adequate safety gear, if traffic was properly directed with an arrow board, and whether there were adequate warning signs for drivers to reduce speed.

The association points out that according to the Michigan Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, safety standards must not be compromised, regardless of whether an operation is short-term or mobile.