Construction worker in critical condition after I-75 crash in Taylor

TAYLOR, Mich. (WJBK) - WEB UPDATE: After the FOX 2 broadcast deadline, Michigan State Police said the crash is believed to be caused by following too closely. MSP reminds us to leave room to stop if the vehicle in front of you stops. 

One MDOT road worker in critical condition, another in the hospital expected to recover.

They were in a closed lane hit by a driver Wednesday afternoon in a Taylor work zone off of I-75 near the Allen and North Line exit.

"Any time someone gets injured on a work zone you kind of take it personal," said Mike Cagle, MDOT senior inspector. 

Cagle couldn't go into detail about the investigation which is being handled by Michigan State Police. They tell us three cars were involved in the crash but investigators zeroed in on a black truck which could be seen with a smash in the windshield.

"It seems everyone is in a hurry, it's almost like they see the barrels and they speed up to get in front of the car before the lane closes," Cagle said.

Southbound I-75 is closed down in the area…with northbound down to 2 lanes where the crash happened.

MSP hasn't said if any arrests have been made, but Cagle can't even count how many times he sees it each day. 

"We see it all the time you almost get used to it," he said.

Even hitting one of these barrels is hazardous to the MDOT workers. 

"That's the scary part you can't dodge a barrel hit coming at you 100 miles per hour," Cagle said. 

Workers put up flashing signs, rumble strips, barrels and barriers - but ultimately Cagle says it's up to the drivers. 

"Everyone needs to slow down and pay attention," he said. "There are guys working out there that want to go home every night."