Caltrans held its 36th Annual Workers Memorial in West Sacramento, honoring the 195 department workers killed in the line of duty since 1921. The ceremony at River Walk Park brought together families, state officials and employees to reinforce the goal of zero highway fatalities and serious injuries by 2050.

This year's event was dedicated to Construction Inspector Mahdi Khorram, who was killed in a work zone incident in Contra Costa County on September 18, 2025. His death underscores the ongoing risks faced by crews and inspectors working alongside live traffic.

State Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin and Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy emphasized renewed action to protect front-line transportation workers and to build a stronger culture of safety across the department's operations.

For contractors and subcontractors performing state highway work, the continued focus on work zone safety signals ongoing scrutiny of traffic control plans, worker protection measures and safety compliance on Caltrans projects statewide.