SPRINGFIELD - While authorities continue to investigate Wednesday's fatal crash along Interstate 57 in Southern Illinois, the Illinois Department of Transportation reports that construction zone deaths are on the decline.

Last year, 26 people, including one road worker, were killed in construction zone accidents, a down from 38 killed in 2004, said Mike Claffey, an agency spokesman.

"Construction zones pose a danger because of the changed configuration that you have in terms of narrower lanes, lane jogs, closed shoulders," Claffey said. "There are all kinds of safety concerns presented by work zones, including the presence of equipment and personnel."

In the accident along I-57, a semitruck hit a bridge guardrail and concrete median before crossing into oncoming traffic. The construction zone accident caused the deaths of six people.

State Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, called for a moment of silence on the state House floor to remember the accident victims Thursday.

Claffey said the agency is sending a team from the DOT's Bureau of Safety Engineering to examine the accident site.

The agency credits increased fines for speeding in work zones leading to the decrease in fatalities. In 2005, the state spent $1 million on radio and TV spots promoting the new law, which increased fines to $375 for speeding in a construction zone.

While the program was aimed at protecting roadside workers, motorists are more likely to die in these accidents, Claffey said.

"Even if workers are not present, they (motorists) think they can just race through zone," he said. "It's not safe to do that because of changes in the road surface. You have to be conscious of the fact that you're not on the open road."

Matt Adrian can be reached at matt.adrian@;lee.net or 789-0865.