Pulaski County, MO (May 5, 2026) – A 35-year-old construction worker from Warrensburg was killed after being struck by a car on Spruce Road, about one mile west of Highway H, on Monday, May 4. The crash happened around 2:20 p.m.
According to a crash report, an 88-year-old man from Waynesville was driving a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer eastbound on Spruce Road when he failed to notice the worker directing traffic and struck the worker. The construction worker was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was not hurt.
The worker was employed by a private contractor on a road construction project along Outer Road 44. He was not a state transportation department employee.
The incident remains under investigation, and more details will be released as they become available.
Our sincere condolences go out to the worker’s family and loved ones.
What Protections Exist for Construction Workers Directing Traffic in Missouri?
Traffic control workers in Missouri are among the most exposed people on any road construction site. They stand at the edge of active travel lanes, relying on flags, signs, and hand signals to slow or redirect drivers through work zones. Despite bright safety vests and posted warning signs, these workers depend entirely on drivers paying attention and reducing speed as required by law.
Missouri law requires drivers to slow down and exercise caution in active work zones, and fines for violations are typically doubled in these areas. Rural roads like Spruce Road can present added challenges because traffic volumes are lower, which may cause some drivers to let their guard down. Contractor employees working on state transportation projects are subject to the same work zone safety standards as any other roadway crew.
