Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Monday, July 25, 2016
(BLOOMINGTON) - Extra patrols are targeting speedings in construction zones on Ind.37/I-69 construction zone north of Bloomington.
The speed limit is 45 miles per hour through much of that area, however cars and trucks are traveling around 65 to 70 miles per hour, blowing by equipment operators and workers.
Monroe County Police and Indiana State Police say these motorists are putting workers at risk so they have increased their patrols and are issuing tickets.
The Herald Times reports that Isolux-Corsan hired Monroe County sheriff's deputies to patrol an extra 400 to 500 hours per month as an "added safety provision for the safety of the motoring public and construction workers," I-69 Development Partners spokesman Tony Carpenter says.
Those citations could cost hundreds of dollars. The standard speeding ticket cost about $185. Indiana's Work Zone Safety Law establishes steep penalties for driving infractions incurred in highway work zones. A first-time speeding ticket in a work zone carries a possible $300 fine, which increases to $500 for a second offense and $1,000 for a third.
Police say speeding infractions add points to a driver's license as well, and an accumulation can lead to higher insurance costs and a license suspension.
Reckless or aggressive driving through a construction zone can result in a fine up to $5,000. Money from the increased fines funds the work zone patrol efforts.
Indiana State troopers are concentrating patrol efforts in the I-69 construction zone. ISP Sgt. Curt Durnil says the agency has 11 white pickup trucks patrolling highway work zones across the state that may fool errant drivers since they resemble vehicles normally seen in highway construction zones.
Patrols will continue with the arrival of thousands of Indiana University students next month, and the influx of IU football game traffic later in the year.
The Section 5 construction is expected to continue through the summer of 2017. The project upgrades four-lane Ind. 37 from Bloomington to just south of Martinsville to an interstate highway with four overpasses and four interchanges.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.