CSEA urges stronger work zone enforcement, public awareness after loss of DOT member Robert Bornt

ALBANY, NY (05/30/2025) (readMedia)-- CSEA is renewing its call for stronger work zone safety enforcement and greater public awareness of the risks that highway workers face every day following the death of CSEA member Robert Bornt, a highway maintenance supervisor 1 at the state Department of Transportation.

Robert died this morning after sustaining injuries during a May 29 work zone intrusion in Pittstown, Rensselaer County. He had served as unit president of CSEA's Transportation Region 1, Rensselaer County DOT Residency since 2016.

CSEA and PESH are investigating the incident.

On behalf of CSEA, my heart goes out to Robert's family, loved ones and co-workers," said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. "Our union members work on the roads to serve the public, not to put their lives on the line because of careless or reckless drivers. Yesterday's incident is a painful reminder that work zones are not just construction sites, they are workplaces. When drivers are less aware, they endanger real people with families."

CSEA actively lobbied for the recent expansion of the work zone safety measures in the recently passed state budget. The extension of the work zone speed camera program for another five years, along with the doubling of available speed cameras for the New York State Thruway Authority and Department of Transportation, as well as the inclusion of the New York State Bridge Authority, are essential steps forward, but more can be done.

"Enforcement must be a priority and matched with respect," said Sullivan. "Our workers deserve to come home safe. Just last month, New York observed Work Zone Awareness Week, and this is a sad reminder that we must continue these efforts."

CSEA will continue to advocate for policies that protects highway and road workers and ensure that every New Yorker understands these zones are workplaces that should be treated as the life-or-death safety issue it is. Respect the cones. Respect the speed limits. And most of all, respect the people doing the work.

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